Homasassa State Park Florida

Homasassa State Park Florida
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. (US 19)
Homosassa, FL 34446 (352) 628-5343

We visited the park yesterday.  It is the time of the year when the Manatee gather in the largest quantities to stay warm for the season.  Here are some excerpts from the link above, and then the pictures I took will follow.

During the winter months, the gate has been opened at the Long River Bridge, allowing the wild manatees to have access to the warmer waters of the spring. On colder days, you may see dozens of wild manatees in the spring and spring run. 

January starts out with a First Day Hike and ranger guided tour of the Wildlife Walk. On January 26, 2017, we will be celebrating Lu, the hippo’s 57th birthday with a big party. A guided Bird walk on Pepper Creek Trail will be held on Saturday, January 28. Be sure to look at the complete listing of our Park Events for more information on this and other upcoming events.

The park's resident manatees are enjoying a large section of the spring run, including the in-ground rehabilitation pool.

On colder days, you may see dozens of wild manatees in the spring and spring run.

I love this picture for the reflections in the water, and in the center, you can see the fish, giving it a 3-dimensional look!

The reflections of the trees, with the school of fish in the center...

They said last Labor Day, when the Hurricane hit, they found Lu with water up to her shoulders.  They only live to about 60, so she's turning 57, she's pretty old.  They have had her here at the Park since 1964...52 years.

I enhanced this picture, the reflections and colors were so awesome, I couldn't resist!!

This looks like an oil painting!  Wow!!!

Do you see the baby underneath the Pelican on top of the boxes?  

Here is a better picture of the baby Pelican

Original of Picture shown below (with enhancement).  Even without my "enhancing" it, the picture was pretty cool.

He stood there, and I stood there with my camera, waiting for him to show me his stuff...

he finally did show me his stuff...and I let him be.

Hawk, just chillin

This was a great shot, thru the chain link fence, with the reflection of the tree.

Hawks, maybe mates?  

one flew away, and we got to see his/her colors...

All the Eagles and Hawks have been hurt, and cannot survive in the wild

Jim told me one of the Rangers was telling them the story of the Whooping Crane below.  She is the female and was wounded and can't survive in the wild.  They have removed her mate and relocated him as far away as Canada, 3 different times.  3 times he has returned to her.  They have produced 3 separate batches of eggs, but none have hatched.  

He just makes me smile.  Love the feet.Look how teeny tiny his eye is.

This worked out.  Got one standing and one showing me his colors.  

This one worked out also!  Sunning themselves to dry their wings for flight.

Mr Fox.  Cool as a Cucummber.

I just adore these guys.  Sleeping.  

I am so thankful I got to spend a day in the life of all of you!  Thanks to all the great folks at Homasassa State Park.