Wild Azaleas and other surprises along the Santa Fe River

 One of my favorite State Parks is O'Leno State Park in High Springs, Florida.

And the best trail there follows the Santa Fe River.

Spring is such a wonderful time to visit the State Parks and I was delighted to see Wild Azalea in full bloom all along the trail. I could even see blooms across the river.

Most of the time your focus is on the river so when I stopped to take photos of the river, a couple from Chicago stopped to chat. I asked them if they had seen the wild azaleas. She said yes, he said no. She said she didn't know what they were. It's nice to be observant and good to have a few IDs to share.

A lot of people think the rivers and swamps are covered in slime or something unhealthy. 

But when you look closely, you see that it is a small plant called Duckweed and it is a healthy plant.

And look what happens when it swirls!

What do YOU see?

And what do you think this turtle sees on the bank of the river?

 

Looks like a monster to me but it's a huge alligator, very prehistoric looking!

This pretty little Tufted Titmouse posed for me.

And it was another beautiful hike at O'Leno State Park.

We drove over in our van camper to a parking area to make this hike.

Are you seeing wildflowers in bloom this Spring?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE 

and Nature Friday HERE!

Gnome Sweet Gnome and Foxy too!

 

We took 2 camping trips in March and had such fun.

I hiked...a lot! And I had some 'gnome' adventures along the way.

I found some gnomes on the trails I hiked....

and I left a few gnomes and fairies along the way.

It's been popular all these years but I just started joining in the fun.

I left this one on the tortoise trail at Reed Bingham State Park, Adel, Georgia on a bird house.

I'm not going to get carried away, don't worry.

I'm leaving a few gnomes and fairies on some of my most frequented trails.

It's just something fun and I'll make sure they don't detract from the forest or become litter.

And of course I was out on the trails near my home when we got back.

When I hiked a section of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, I was lucky to spot a Fox Squirrel.

This one had some distinguishing marks so I'll know it if I see it again.

I don't see one very often so it's always a thrill!

I have been calling it Silver Foxy because of the thick silver tail.

It's always an adventure when you get out on the trails.

Isn't he cute!!! 

And I have lots of photos to share from our camping trips.

Have you been taking advantage of the nice weather to get outside?

Happy Spring!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE 

and Nature Friday HERE!

Hiking the Sink Trail Loop at Manatee Springs State Park

 

I'll start with a photo from the Springs because that's where I ended up!

Pied billed Grebe (the best Grebe pic I've ever taken)

You all know I love to hike in the forest.

And they did a great job of opening up the trail after the terrible devastation of the hurricanes last Fall.

But I was not enjoying myself so I turned around. It was hard to do but I looked around at all the damage and knew I needed to walk away.

Little Blue Heron (juvenile)

And some of my bird photos turned out so good from my walk on the boardwalk.

Little Blue Heron

I even saw some 'interesting' alligators!

Two of them, having a little chat.

I think they were getting to know each other in hopes of being friendly. 

And one swimming along the river. And don't worry, I zoomed in on them. I was not close!

I also saw a beautiful Anhinga.

One more.

And a Great Blue Heron flew by.

I don't usually get good 'in flight' photos but I was pleased with these.

He was more charcoal gray than white! The sun made him look white.

I even got some decent photos of this Grass Carp.

Thanks to my son, D for help with the ID!

It was a beautiful day at a beautiful place.

But there's nothing wrong with changing your mind when you are not feeling comfortable in your surroundings. For one thing, there was some wind and I didn't want limbs to fall on my head.

I'd rather take my chances with the gators across the way!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE 

and Nature Friday HERE!

Manatee Springs State Park for the Manatees!

 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! 🌴

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE 

and Nature Friday HERE!