Carrie Barton: Homosassa Springs

OK, as you can see, these springs aren't exactly like the other ones we've visited. Yes, they may have manatees (as most of FL's springs do during the winter - the manatees swim upstream to get to them and hang out in their warmer water), but they have a lot of other critters here too! This was actually some kind of zoo that ultimately got taken over by the state, so it's a state park/zoo kind of place now! Wonderful place, awesome critters, great exhibits.

And we'll start with a couple of Florida's most infamous representatives - and they gave us quite "the exhibit!"

What can I say? I seem to have this effect on animals! A few years ago, we were in a fairly remote part of Alaska, trying for bear photos. And what do I end up with shots of? Yeah, bear sex. More things that make you go "hmm....!" Oh well, it's spring at the springs, and love must be in the air!!

These whooping cranes weren't quite as demonstrative but still muy bonitas!

And good ol' Pelly! Doin' a little dryin'

And a weird-looking pelican! I don't know about that bump...?! There were several white pellys with that beak bump.

Now this (heron-type?) guy just looked like quite the character! A little irked? Pissed-off? Put out?! Maybe just mad because he couldn't remember where he put his other leg??! (can't you hear him say, "Oh yeah, I'm wearing it!")

Nice to finally get some real close-ups of sandhill cranes!

And a bonus for us!!!!! A mountie lion! She was funny, just hanging out, couldn't care less about the on-lookers...until...one of her favorite keepers started walking up! Wow!!! Sudden animation! Did that cat ever perk up! No question about who HER friend was!!!!!! She started talking and heading over to where he was. Very cute! Also a very good sign about the care and health of the critters at this place!!

An egret - and most likely just a dropper-in, visiting type.

Looks like he's just having a conversation, doesn't it? But probably really doing the sunning/cooling-off thing.

The Florida manatee, or "sea cow." I'm sure you've all heard about how these poor critters are very endangered. One of their main threats is from boating accidents. Apparently, these manatees hear at a much higher frequency than most boats emit (and so don't get warning of approaching propellors), and many boaters don't heed the speed restrictions in posted manatee areas. The results are always horrible for the manatees. And all too often, the lacerations and mutilations they and their offspring suffer are fatal.