We were anxious to get back to Manatee Springs State Park while the Manatees were in the Springs. In the winter months hundreds of these gentle giants come into the Springs where it is 72 degrees year round to escape the colder water of the Suwannee River. The park ranger said there were around 50 here and I got to see about a dozen.
This is the best photo! HaHa! They are a challenge to photograph.
But on the first day there, I walked down to the water's edge and there was a baby (a big baby) that I could have reached out and touched, but of course I didn't! I just stood there and watched it in awe. They are about 60 lbs at birth and this one was about 4 ft long.
This is a pool of water where they congregate.
An adult coming up for air!
I'll need more than one post to share photos of this trip so there will be more to come.
And as if seeing West Indian Manatees isn't exciting enough....
I watched a Limpkin on the nest!
Crazy flying photo!
I heard 2 of them crying out to each other and they are LOUD. You feel like you've landed in Jurassic park when you hear them call!
It flew up onto a branch and I was snapping pics as fast as I could.
And then it settled onto it's nest with just it's head peeking out.
Again, I was able to point it out to a few people on the boardwalk so that was rewarding too.
It was a real highlight of the trip.
I saw lots of Comorants.
Cormorants on a log
And several Warblers.
I think this is a Yellow-rumped Warbler.
It's common but still very nice to spot!
So that's one walk down the 800 ft boardwalk!
I have a lot of photos to share but I plan to step away from the computer for a couple of weeks for a new adventure. We have internet when we camp but I don't spend much time on the computer! Have a beautiful Spring.
Be back soon! 🌴
23 comments:
...Diane, thanks for taking me along to see these spectacular sights.
the photo of the swamp is amazing, love it love it.. and I would love to see that big baby manatee. the limpet pics are gorgeous... a few years back, my friend kept telling me that the people living in her condominiums were looking to find a hit man to get rid of the limpets. she said they never shut up and the sound was awful and loud . I went for a visit one day and we sat outside and OH MY are they LOUD... and its not a birdsong for sure
Have a nice trip where ever you're headed with your camper.
You got some better photos of manatees than I did while I was in Cape Coral.
What beautiful photos. Manatees are such kind and gentle floating giants.. The water bird photos made me feel as if I was there with you. Happy Hiking and camping. Looking forward to reading all about your adventure
Hugs Cecilia
Those Limpkins are so pretty. I like the photo of her settling back on her nest. That's a charming picture of the bridge too. Have a nice time away, and see you when you get back. : )
~Sheri
Enjoy your time, I too take a break from the computer when we travel. :-)
Thank you for sharing all of the beauty and mystery of Florida. It is so amazing to this Wisconsin girl.
Oh, such a lovely spot! I love seeing the manatees, and that Limpkin is amazing! How neat that you got to see it on its nest! I don't think I've ever heard one before, so maybe I need to look it up so I will know what it is if I ever hear it.
Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! You guys sure do know how to have some wonderful fun!!
What an exciting trip you had. So many wonderful things to see. I would have been thrilled with seeing the manatee.
So cool that you got to see the manatees. Really impressive animals!
I'm sure you were, indeed, snapping your camera fast as the Manatees, Limpkin, the Comorants, and Warblers kept you busy!
Love all the photos--I love all kinds of birds and even the manatees-- the baby ones are so cute--Have fun on your adventure--will miss you--hugs, di
Wow - I've never spotted a Limpkin nest - exciting!
I love how the natures happen around you
It is one of the great omission of my life as a naturalist that I have never seen a Manatee. The warbler above is a Yellow-dumped Warbler for sure.
Beautiful pictures of the manatees and the birds.
We only see manatees in a zoo.
Have a nice trip, wherever you go with your camper.
Greetings Irma
Hello Diane,
A wonderful outing. I love seeing the Manatees, they are cute.
Great series on the Limpkin and Cormorants! The YRW is a cutie. The boardwalk looks nice. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
Oh my!!! What a wonderful post filled with so much beauty! I adore the manatees, and hope to see one someday...that is, indeed, a yellow rump warbler. I see them in our backyard!
Thanks for joining us for Nature Friday!
Hello Diane :)
I have never seen a Manatee, but would love to see these gentle giants in their own environment. You did a great job of photographing the Limpkins Diane.
I have seen the Manatees at Hommosasa Springs and it was magical. Love your pics of the Limpkin, Diane.
Thanks so much for taking me along and showing the beauty you captured.
I have never seen a Manatee before. They look wonderful. Great shot of The Yellow-rumped Warbler!
I had a great time on your trip. I have seen manatees, but no matter I love seeing them again.
But I have never seen a Limpkin, cormorant, or warblers. How cool to be in Jurassic Park!
I put a comment on - but I don't see it.
I have never seen a limpkin, cormorants, or warblers - sounds fun to be in Jurassic Park! Have a nice trip.
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