This nesting osprey looks like it's ready to enforce the warning to slow down. The sign survived Hurricane Wilma, but not by much. Many manatees don't survive encounters with boat propellers. This sign was in the shallow Chokoloskee Bay at the southwestern edge of Everglades National Park. Our small tour boat went out at low tide, and the propeller churned the mud of the bottom very often as we crossed the bay. We didn't hit any manatees, though; didn't even see one. We were joined by a pair of playful porpoises for a while, however.

Arlen_070304_9245