Gators, turtles, manatees,birds, etc!

[turtleboy]

We recently visited Wakulla Springs, an amazing spring that turns into an

instant river near Tallahassee in the Florida panhandle. There is a historic hotel at the site and regular boat tours that give amazing close-ups to a wide variety of wildlife. This was the site for the filming if some of the old Tarzan movies, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, and others. Here are a few photos I took. These are just snapshots taken with an inexpensive point and shoot camera but I am posting them as a suggestion for an excellent photo opportunity if you are ever in this area.

Moorhen with unusual reflection. No editing except cropping the top 1/4.

Gator and turtles. We saw at least 20 gators close up on 1 hour tour.

Manatees blocked our route causing us to back out and take another channel.

We also saw and photographed both species of Blue Herons, Ospreys, Anhinas, Egrets,Vultures, Cormorants, snakes in trees, etc., etc. If ever in the area I highly recommend it.

[Hwood]

The gator on the turtles cracks me up. Sounds like a fun trip.

[turtleboy]

Cracked me up too. Apparently sometimes the gators crack the turtles up. Gators eat anything they want to, even turtles. Kind of like M&Ms, crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Just a truce to soak up some rays.

[fishinchicks]

The gators on turtles is pretty funny. Nice shot as well.

I have never been to that part of Florida, nor have I ever seen a Manatee. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

[dockothebay]

Nice shots - that gator on the turtles is a classic! We've done the same type of tour in Louisiana and in Homosassa Springs, FL. It's so cool to see such different ecosystems - thanks for sharing!

[Bucky13]

I visited therein the spring 2 years ago. The manatees were gone but there we so many other great opportunities for great pics. Lots of BWT and woodies had migrated back and were in full plumage. There were tons of other types of waterfowl and other birds/reptiles that were very cool looking. If anyone is is the area, another great area to visit it St. Marks wildlife area. It is a huge wetlands with TONS of wildlife and many great photo opportunities. I think the Florida Panhandle is my favorite place to take the camera.

[turtleboy]

Agreed about St Marks, we visited there also.There is a very photogenic lighthouse there in addition to all the wildlife. This is all I have, really doesn't do it justice.