Flashback: Stingrays – November, 2010
Life is full of surprises. Like the few days one fall when a fever of stingrays showed up outside our back door. Until then I had no idea I shared the lake with them, and no idea they schooled together. In fact, I knew little about them at all.
So I learned (courtesy of the animal web guide) that stingrays are commonly found in shallow coastal waters. Their flattened bodies are composed of pectoral fins joined to their head and trunk with the infamous tail trailing behind. While its eyes are on the dorsal side, the mouth, nostrils and gill slits are located on its underbelly. The ray detects its prey via electrical sensors located around its mouth which detect the natural electrical charges of its potential dinner. They have jaw teeth to enable them to crush mollusks such as clams, oysters, and mussels.
It was an unexpected treat to discover these creatures so close to home, but that’s how life is. When you least expect it, a little gift shows up on your doorstep. Stay alert so you don’t miss it.