This morning we left Hontoon Landing and headed upriver to Blue Springs Creek State Park in our quest for the elusive manatees. This was probably the best nature viewing day of the trip.
This is one of many alligators we saw on this stretch of the River. He sure is healthy looking.
These are Wood Storks which are the only storks in North America.
The alligators are almost black in color here. It might be because the water is very dark. It is the color of coffee but quite clear not murky or muddy. Probably tannin.
If you look closely, you may be able to see the head of the Manatee in the water. It was difficult to see them because of the dark water.
Isn't this picture gorgeous? Melanie took most of the pictures and I think that this one is definitely professional quality as were some of the others.
We saw many cormorants but this one looked especially photographic.
The number of eagles that we saw on this trip was surprising and encouraging since they had been on the endangered list.
This blossoming bush was in many places along the River. We never did find out what it is. We asked several people what it is but none knew.
The Ibis where everywhere on this part of the River. Sometimes Egrets shared trees with them.
We'll end the nature tour with an alligator. This one is a little lighter in color.
When we left the State Park Area, we headed down river to return to the Astor Bridge Marina and the good food at the Castaway Restaurant.
The owners of the Marina were on the bulkhead waving a greeting when we arrived. We knew that we were returning to the same slip so just went right to it.
We had another great stay with another great meal!
I will address the Water Hyacinths in my next posting.
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