I touched a shark and I liked it...in one of the touch tanks at Texas State Aquarium, that is. I'd always heard they had rough, sandpaper-like skin, but not this one. He was about a foot long with soft, smooth skin that he seemed to enjoy having rubbed because he kept swimming past for more. When the sharks tired of our attention, they simply retreated to areas of the tank that were out of reach.
I have mixed feelings about animals held in captivity. The aquarium does seem to have a focus on education, conservation and rescue of injured animals, but it saddens me to see them in cages, so I'm only posting one pic of a captive animal. Yes, I think he might be missing a limb.
The House Sparrows thought the outdoor displays were created as birdbaths just for them.
In addition to the aquarium, the birding trail map gives directions to the Nueces Bay Causeway. That is where I found the Herring Gull. His size makes him unmistakable. He dwarfs the Laughing Gull.
It wasn't until I uploaded the photos of the Willet that I noticed he tossed a shell. To help crack it open?
Is that the creature he pulled from the shell?
I'm linking up this week with Camera Critters.
10/19/2014
CTC072
Midday, 80's, Partly Cloudy
Species Identified (11): House Sparrow, Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull, Forster's Tern, Great-tailed Grackle, Herring Gull, Ruddy Turnstone, Willet, Rock Pigeon, Snowy Egret, Great Egret
These are wonderful photos, the one of the sea turtle is excellent and the birds also.
ReplyDeleteGreat images Jen!! And I enjoy your narration. The Aquarium we haven't visited for a long time....it's fun to walk through and watch the 'awe' in the kids' eyes as they learn of all things related to the sea..
ReplyDeleteIt is hard seeing animals in captivity. It is so unnatural. Your first sentence sounds like the start of good book!
ReplyDeletelove the shot of the turtle. So rare to see them from below. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteJen, these are superb images. How cool to get the Willet using his noggin to crack open a shell! The world of animals never ceases to amaze me. I'm with you on animals in cages, but okay if they are being rehabilitated.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great series of bird photos. I also have mixed feelings about zoos and aquariums.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid, I really enjoyed going to the aquarium. I know it holds animals in captivity, but I learned so much when I went there.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! I agree that some zoos and aquariums are not in keeping with an animal's best interests, but I think many are improving. Some become life lines when species are close to extinction, or are damaged an can not live outside of containment.
ReplyDeleteAs long as they are kept in the conditions they need, I think it's OK especially when it comes to endangered species. This photo with the turtle is just gorgeous !
ReplyDeleteI love that sea turtle! I have mixed emotions as well. On the one hand, I hate seeing a creature in captivity. On the other hand, zoos successfully breed endangered animals and have saved some creatures from extinction. Such a complicated thing to resolve...
ReplyDeleteWhile reading about the shark, I pictured my finger being bitten off. lol Actually, I would have touched it, too. I have mixed feelings about animals in captivity, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos as always!
Nice pictures - the mid-air snail is a great shot.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne.
PS: sorry for slow reply, I've been away from home because of work!
Surely this is a site well worth seeing.
ReplyDeleteNice photos--I spent yesterday out on the beach walking and watching the pelicans fish.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! We're so cold here. I agree about zoos...
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!