February 26, 2017 (by Angela)

Manatee Springs State Park sounded like an amazing place to visit. The three of us loaded up in the car and plotted our course for this well-known Florida State Park. Hoping, really hoping, to see at least one manatee, we paid our $6 admission, but the gentleman taking our money and giving us information said that the warmer weather had caused the manatees to move out of the springs. He went on to say that those that have been seen have been at the mouth where the spring feeds into the Suwannee River.

Manatees, the winter visitors

We drove through the lovely park filled with that interesting combination of palm trees and live oaks, the live oaks decorated beautifully with hanging Spanish moss. It only took moments to find the campground, which we of course explored for future reference. Jim writes about it here. He and I decided that we could enjoy a future winter sojourn in this park.

From the campground, we could see some green water with stairs descending. As we made our way deeper into the park, we found the hub of activities, the parking area, and the water we had viewed from afar. Exiting the vehicle, we wandered over to the stairs, meeting a diver who had just come up the stairs after a dip in the green water. I assume this is a karst covered in duckweed like Olsen Sink.

Stairs going to green-colored water

A place to dive – a karst in the park?

Parking area near the hub of activity

The opportunities for water fun and exploration abound here. This spring pumps out about 100 million gallons of clear, fresh water daily, so the water of the spring run is gorgeous. Visitors may choose to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, etc. It is only when it is cold enough that the manatees swim up the Suwannee River and into the warmer water of the spring pool.

Spring pool

Kayakers returning from the river to the spring

Chewie could walk almost anywhere, including into the spring run at the canoe/kayak launching area, except on the boardwalks. Due to people who are afraid of dogs or dogs who may not like each other potentially meeting in such an enclosed space, dogs are not allowed there. Jim entertained Chewie while I walked the length of the boardwalk through the hardwood marsh to the river.  Afterward, Jim and I switched places.

Jim introducing Chewie to a manatee, in case we met others

Chewie wading in & tasting the clear spring water

Boardwalk through the hardwood marsh to the Suwannee River

We did not see any manatees. In fact, if it were not for the birds, we would have not seen much wildlife at all on this adventure. What was amazing to me is that I was able to walk within about four feet of a big group of black vultures before finally getting close enough to scare them away. Below you will find some of our bird pictures from our enjoyable visit to Manatee Springs State Park.

Egret

Anhinga

Black vultures just feet from me on boardwalk

Black vultures in the trees when Jim came by

On this day, In Manatee Springs Park, manatees vs birds, the birds win. You can read more about the park by following the link here.

Thanks to Pat and Judy of www.emptyingthebucketsite.wordpress.com for help with bird identification.