Tonight I am sitting at the computer bundled in an electric blanket. It has been unusually cold since the weekend. We have actually had to run the central heating as it gets into the 30's at night. We have had freeze warnings every night since Sunday.
Because of the extremely cold temperatures, manatees have been flocking to warm water refuges, often venturing far inland along canals to try and stay warm. The West Indian manatee inhabits warm tropical waters of Florida. When temperatures drop, hundreds will huddle together in areas of warmer water.









Young manatees are especially sensitive to the cold. Mothers bring their calves to warm up.







Manatees are often dispersed throughout the year, so it is quite rare to see so many in one place. It was a treat to see them and I enjoyed watching them bob around enjoying the warm water.