Sanibel Island Day 9

Today was a day for wildlife searching.  The naturalist on our nature cruise at Ding Darling told us about a good place to see manatees.  There is a power plant in Fort Myers that releases warm water that was used for cooling.  The manatees congregate there so they created Manatee Park where people can go see them.  This is a typical view.

And a snout captured by my daughter with her good camera.

There is also a kayak rental place there with put-in on the adjacent Orange River.  You can paddle among the manatees out in the river, though you shouldn't get too close.  The river is part of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, so this serves as a good put-in.  But the rental kayaks are the minimal bathtub sort that I wouldn't want to take very far.  But if we are ever in the area with our own boats, it is something to consider.
Our next stop was Cape Coral, which is known for protecting burrowing owls.  We looked a couple places where they are known to hang out and actually saw one.  I didn't attempt a photo since it was so small, distant, and well-camouflaged.  But my daughter got a great photo.


The day ended with a beautiful sunset.