Some of the critters in the water at Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park north of Tampa. I made my annual winter trip in mid-January, hoping to see manatees along the river but the weather had warmed up for a few day and the manatees had scattered around the area.
Yes, this guy was on the other side of the glass. You usually see them sleeping in the back with their eyes closed.
It seemed to be mating day that morning. Both pelicans and some wild vultures were getting frisky in the warm weather.
It’s always fun seeing a cormorant trying to gulp down a big fish.
Wood duck reflection.
I think this is a male american goldfinch in his winter feathers. He was high up in the trees and didn’t sit still for a minute. I rarely see these here.
Great blue heron hopping around in the trees.
There were a lot of great blue heron nests high up in the trees. It was hard to see up there but this nest had two babies that were almost grown.
Green heron hanging around.
Most of these birds were not tagged. They might just be hanging out with the permanently injured birds for the winter.
This is a white morph great blue heron. I’ve never seen one here before and this is 2nd time I’ve ever seen one. He wasn’t tagged so I’m not sure if he is just stopping by for a quick visit.
A great egret trying to catch some minnows and coming up with a beak full of leaves.
I made my annual trip to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park in early March. It’s a safe haven for permanently injured birds and other Florida animals. A lot of wild birds and ducks hang out there to get free food. Some come in to nest in the trees over the water. There’s always a lot to take pictures of at the park. Sometimes in nice not to have to run around in the woods looking for tiny birds high up in the trees. Sometimes it’s nice to just stand in one place and take lots of pictures.
Lots of manatees were close to the bridge in the park.
Coming up for air.
Through the glass at the underwater viewing area.
This big guy should be under water. He was warming himself up as the sun was hitting the gravel.
A few pictures from my annual winter trip to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Life Park. An hour north of Tampa, this park has a lot of fun animals including tons of manatees that head into the warm springs to stay warm for the winter. You can take a boat out and swim with the manatees or just walk over them on a bridge. You can get up close here without getting wet. The park is full of birds, both wild and permanent residents that are injured. More on those later.
It was amazing to stand and watch this eagle take a bath. He’s missing his right wing. He has found a home at Homosassa State Wildlife Park with two other eagles that were missing wings. They have a big exhibit with a nice pond. It was foggy and humid the morning Pam and I headed north for the park. Right before we left the sun was coming out and I guess the eagle decided it was a good time for a bath. Even with a missing wing, he’s a beautiful bird.
What are they fighting about? Or is that something else???
Now maybe they are making up?
He's bringing his big stick.
She’s already got an egg.
More pictures from my recent trip to Homosassa Springs Park. In the middle of one of the rivers, they have a little pelican island where the pelicans can hang out and nest. They were busy the entire morning that I was there. Several nests already had eggs on them. Soon there will be non-stop baby bird crying there. It was fun to watch them being so pre-occupied.
