Manatee and a Bonus

Thursday, we took our friends for a little shopping at John's Pass Village. We had lunch at Habana Cafe - our guests first intro to Cuban food-then we just came home and enjoyed the sun on the patio. Friday, we headed out to the TECO Manatee Viewing Center- so they could see the manatee.
First, we saw a shark.  It was pretty good sized.

 We started out by walking out on the walkway to the power plant discharge. The manatee hang out here during the winter, because they like the warm water that comes from the power plant.

 This group was heading out to get some sea grasses.

Closer in to the power plant, we got some really good views of the manatee swimming around.

Our friends were thrilled to get such good views of these wonderful creatures.  We were really pleased.

On the way to the viewing center, I noticed a car pulled off to the side of the road.  The car's owners were looking at something with binocs.  I suspected that it may be an eagle's nest.  So, on the way back we stopped at that same spot.  Sure enough, it was an eagle's nest with two fledglings.

We were thrilled.  We watched them for quite a while and it looked like flying lessons.  The one fledge would flap and go up and back down over and over.  Finally, it flew up to another branch.  I got a shot as it makes it's accent.

What a special treat!  We got great views of the manatee and the eagles were just "special sauce".  It was a great day.  We have really enjoyed our friend's visit.