Who knows? Scientists can only speculate. I’ve found many sites that discuss their jumping behavior. One that I liked is http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150512-watch-these-giant-rays-fly. It’s a short article, and like other scientists, Joshua Stewart, from the Gulf of California Marine Program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, says:
“As far as we can tell, all mobulid rays jump, as do their myliobatid (eagle rays) cousins. Many theories have been suggested [as to why they jump], from feeding, courting, communicating, and ridding themselves of parasites.”
I guess I can speculate too. They jump because they can. They jump for joy. They jump so I can take their pictures. They were doing their spectacular show for us on our morning walk right across the street from our house.
Our dog wasn’t paying attention though. All she cares about on our morning walks is catching her ball.
Last night we had a terrific sunset and this morning we were treated to jumping rays. This beautiful place never ceases to amaze us and we count our blessings every day.
San Pedrito at Sunset July 25, 2016
Retirement is the best job I’ve ever had. All that work we did to prepare us for this was worth it. I’m jumping for joy just like the rays!
Tandem Jumpers!
Hope you are having as much fun as we are.
