Manatee and Alligtors at Wakulla Springs Florida-a photo heavy post

As I said in the last post, Jimmy took me to Wakulla Springs State Park after our delicious lunch of Apalachicola oysters and boy did we luck out, especially given the well below normal temps.  I felt like I was on safari, so it’s a good thing I had my Africa Camera with me.

This time of year manatee congregate where the water is warmest so they don’t freeze to death…literally.  In addition to the water leaving area power plants, the manatee swarm around all the local natural springs because the spring water stays between 65 and 70 degrees year round.  We were not disappointed since there were about 25 manatee swimming around the Spring when we arrived.  They were huddling together in groups of 3-4 seemingly in an effort to stay warm, but who knows.  An elevated platform gave us the perfect vantage point.  Here are some shots from up top.

In this same area, there is a small roped off swimming area.  Here is a sign of caution for swimmers.

They’re not kidding either since I caught a few of these gators on film not too far down river.  Check it out.

We saw over a half dozen, which considering the very cool temps was lucky.  The boat driver said the place is littered with them when the weather is warm.  Oh my.  Anyone up for a quick swim?

I don’t think I mentioned that we took a boat tour of the immediate area from the Springs a bit down river and back again.  Safari indeed.  I was in hog heaven as Jimmy knew I would be.  Thanks again Jim for a fabulous day!!!  Here are some of the many, many photos I took from the boat.

Did you know that Spanish Moss is not a moss at all, but part of the Pineapple family?  Me neither, but now we know.

This bird is called an Anahinga with the nickname of snakebird since its head and neck stretch and writhe about like a snake.

And here one is on the bank drying its wings.

And a Great Blue Heron with its neck all scrinched up and tucked in acting as unsnakelike as possible.

And a Great Egret doing an impression of an Anahinga.

I neglected to write down the name of this fella, so I’m calling it the Great Florida Cammo Bird because it was so difficult to see unless it moved.

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Here is a Common Moorhen who looks to me anything but common with his day-glo yellow legs and safety orange beak, but what do I know.

This is a particular type of Commorant, but I can’t remember which, so we’ll just go with Cormorants and leave it at that.

White Ibis and Cyprus.

I’ve got lots more to show and tell, so hang in there with me.

Here we have your Red Breasted Merganzers who look to be on the way to the Beauty Parlor.

And your American Coot with its bright white beak.  You ole Coot!

Little Blue Heron, which is quite a step down from the Great Blue Heron, don’t you think?  Poor fella.

Alright, enough with the commentary.  Can you tell I’m getting tired of uploading photos and typing captions?

But take a look at these turtles all in a row, well except the one.  He’s going the wrong way.

And what is a boat safari without Turkey Vultures?

In singular…

Or in plural.

Did I mention in the last post that the three original Tarzan movies were, in part,  filmed here at Wakulla Springs?  Along with the Creature From the Black Lagoon?

Doesn’t it look like Tarzan and Jane might come swinging through at any moment?

And to end, another shot of the wonderful manatee who look like Halibut to me if you catch them at the right angle.

Thank you for taking the time to look at a sampling of the many pictures I took that day.  If any of you ever get a chance to go to Wakulla Springs State Park, go for it, but watch out for…..

I’m back at the Meditation Center where I have been sewing curtains for the Teacher’s Cottage (have I already mentioned this?)  Anyway, I’ll be sewing up until the course begins on Wednesday.  I had found a dog sitter, but just heard today that she has to go to Atlanta and can only keep the dogs for the last 5 days of the course, so I’m back on the lookout for another sitter.

Stay tuned.