Manatee River & Coco Plum Cay
During the morning we ventured into the Manatee River via kayak and Zodiac in search of wildlife. The extensive sea grass meadows and narrow, mangrove-lined channels of this river system provide perfect shelter and pasture for manatees. As we entered the mouth of the river, three Black Vultures stood watch. Kingfishers could be heard bickering over fishing territories, and herons and ibises kept a watchful eye on the boats as we floated up stream. A few manatees fluked, rolled and snorted at the surface, while a few kayakers were graced with a curious “swim by.”
During the afternoon we visited Coco Plum Cay for some birding, rest and relaxation. On the nearby Man of War Cay, frolicking frigates fought for sticks to embellish their nests and captured our attention and appreciation with their aerial antics. Often, three sets of beaks competed for a single stick to provide “living room furniture” for the family nest.
No “greenflash” occurred at sunset despite an impressive explanation by a physicist guest stating that they, indeed, are ‘real!’ Consequently, gourmet guacamole provided the green; the guests were the ‘flash’ to devour this delight. Too much sunset haze obscured our opportunity to view this delight of nature. Solitude of open spaces was predominant... space to enjoy. “Liz and Richard” should have filmed ‘Night of the Iguana’ in this island paradise.
During the morning we ventured into the Manatee River via kayak and Zodiac in search of wildlife. The extensive sea grass meadows and narrow, mangrove-lined channels of this river system provide perfect shelter and pasture for manatees. As we entered the mouth of the river, three Black Vultures stood watch. Kingfishers could be heard bickering over fishing territories, and herons and ibises kept a watchful eye on the boats as we floated up stream. A few manatees fluked, rolled and snorted at the surface, while a few kayakers were graced with a curious “swim by.”
During the afternoon we visited Coco Plum Cay for some birding, rest and relaxation. On the nearby Man of War Cay, frolicking frigates fought for sticks to embellish their nests and captured our attention and appreciation with their aerial antics. Often, three sets of beaks competed for a single stick to provide “living room furniture” for the family nest.
No “greenflash” occurred at sunset despite an impressive explanation by a physicist guest stating that they, indeed, are ‘real!’ Consequently, gourmet guacamole provided the green; the guests were the ‘flash’ to devour this delight. Too much sunset haze obscured our opportunity to view this delight of nature. Solitude of open spaces was predominant... space to enjoy. “Liz and Richard” should have filmed ‘Night of the Iguana’ in this island paradise.
