Zebra mussels

This might seem a strange time to post about zebra mussels - after all, the ice is still coming off the river.  But during the summer, these guys are under water, and I can't take their photo.

These things are pests, an invasive species from Russia.  They multiply at a prodigious rate and clog up water intakes and grates.  They're also really, really sharp - don't try to walk barefoot on them!

Anyway, this is at Lock 8 on the Canal.  The impound gates are lifted up for the winter, so the river is about 10 feet lower than it is in the summer, when the gates are down, holding the river back.  Since the water is so low, these mussels are exposed.  The face on the left is directly facing upstream - I'm a little surprised it isn't as covered as the face on the right, which is parallel to the river.  THAT is completely covered - I couldn't find a place to put a fingertip without touching zebra mussels.  Amazing animals.

F Number	11.0
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/50
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	200
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire