Yellow-rumped Warbler (Manatee Springs State Park)Black Vulture (Manatee Springs State Park)Snowy Egrets (Myakka River State Park)Turkey VultureGreat Egret (Manatee Springs State Park)Northern Cardinal (Manatee Springs State Park)Loggerhead Shrike (near Myakka River State Park)Great Blue Heron (Myakka River State Park)Getting ready to take off.
A funny looking bug, trying to hitch a ride on one of our car roof rails!
Green Leaf Bug – (Katydid)
As we were getting in the car, I spotted what I thought was a green leaf on top of the roof. I reached up to grab the leave and throw it on the ground and quickly realized it was not a leaf.
For a few Fun Facts on this bug go to http://www.bugfacts.net/katydid.php#.VJ4SUJ0B
Sharing with: Saturday’s Critters at Viewing Nature with Eileen
Red oaks and cypress trees reaching toward the sky,
Moss dangling from branches,
Vultures watching me.
In the distance a pier,
Inviting me to the river,
Reaching the end I peer down,
A cute little eye, looking up at me.
A Stroll Through the WoodsOdd Bird OutA pier leading to the Suwannee RiverI See You
Manatee Springs is an important winter refuge for West Indian manatees. From November through April, these gentle giants are regular visitors to the spring. (taken from park brochure)
Bubble!!Manatee Spring – Florida’s largest freshwater springs. An Inviting 72 DegreesManatee Springs is a favorite diving spot.
Reflection Art:
Three’s a Crowd
Park Visitors:
All aloneHigh above the SpringNorthern Cardinal (female)LookoutsPost Ornament
With no TV, no internet (at times we will get extremely slow service) and no cell service (text messaging works fine) what to do other than walk the parks 8.5 miles of trails, take photos of Manatee Springs and the Suwannee River, bird watch and just enjoy this beautiful park.
There are 78 campsites in the park and they are pretty primitive with water and electric. We were in shock when we first arrived, but now just love this park.
One loop is closed for renovation and will have a brand new bath house and new, improved sites with FULL hookups. This loop will hopefully be open by May, 2015.
Sorry for not responding to comments, I truly appreciate each and everyone! We leave here Sunday and will be back in communication!! (I hope.)
