Rays near shore

[JanetH]

I've been seeing a lot of small dark-colored rays near shore. Occasionally one will leap repeatedly about a foot or two above the water, but mostly they seem to swim near the surface, often in the very shallow water within a few feet of shore. The are black or dark brown, and I can't make out any markings. They seem to be most active, or at least nearest to shore where I can see them, around dusk. Anyone else enjoying these sightings, or have any idea what sort of rays these might be, or info about their behavior? Are these common here during the winter?

 

[seabythegrove]

Check this out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAhE2J-Fupw&feature=bf_next&list=PL2493D60A5078D214&lf=bf_prev</SPAN>

 

[Bluznbeach]

Wow! I've seen various kinds of rays there, including a manta ray once, but have never seen a school that big. These smaller ones do seem to be more common in fall and winter and they often come within a few feet of the shoreline.

 

[Zac]

They're not aggressive that video is a good example I shore fish all the time. When there has been one ehading my way, once it see me it changes directions

 

[Zac]

Just make sure you don't step on one!

 

[SlowMovin]

While they can sting, they rarely do. They are referred to as "cow-nosed rays." They show up every winter.

 

[librarian]

A few years ago my son and I were swimming near a huge school of these that came up toward the beach then went back out. According to what I found they do NOT tend to stay on the sand floor so you are less likely to step on them or get stung. Incredible experience.

 

[JanetH]

Thanks everyone for all the info. I've seen maybe a half-dozen of these zooming around separately, or in pairs. It would be so cool to see a whole flock of them swimming in formations, as in the video, especially while I'm out swimming!

 

[SunPrincess]

That is amazing. I have seen some large groups near shore, but never that many!