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! 🌴
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