Do-Ray-Me

I have tried for almost two years to get a photo of the rays that jump up out of the water, flap their wings and then smack the water hard as they make their descent back. My camera is just not fast enough to catch them in the act. So, I asked my friend Diane aboard Ceidlyh if I could post her photos... they are most excellent!

I guess there are several hypotheses as to why the rays exhibit this behavior, the most popular being that they are trying to rid themselves of parasites. No one really knows why they leap into the air and appear to try to fly before performing a mighty bellybuster at the end. Sometimes they leap out of the water consecutively as many times as seven. To me it really appears that they are trying to take flight. I find it fascinating that there can be so many of them at one time flip flopping around. Sometimes they do wild spinning or aerial acrobatics... twisting and turning. Their performances are definitely entertaining!

Incredible photos by Diane on s/v Ceilydh and with her permission

I think the photos Diane took are incredible. Now... the fact that she has this awesome camera with lenses that cost more than anything I own and I have a little camera that has been loved deeply for several years now and who's battery case is held together with a rubber band which sometimes affects how fast I can turn the camera ON... might have a little do do with the quality of our photos and why hers are most definitely better. But, I'm guessing there is some skill involved, too.

 See more of s/v Ceiyldh adventures and photos at: http://maiaaboard.blogspot.com/