Majestic Whooping Cranes and Many Birds in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida
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One of many white ibises in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in our 2014 Florida Winter Wildlife
Watching trip.
One of several beautiful and colorful wood ducks in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
A 1.1 mile trail winds throughout this Wildlife Park including paved trails and elevated boardwalk giving visitors a
rare opportunity to observe Florida's native wildlife in a natural setting to see many kinds of birds and other
wildlife, great for nature study and photography.

A huge spring, from which millions of gallons of fresh, clear water bubble every hour, is the centerpiece of this
park and the headwaters of the Homosassa River. Saltwater and freshwater fish are attracted to this large,
natural spring with its comfortable, year-round temperature of 72 degrees. Thirty-four varieties of fish have
been identified in the spring.
The year-round temperature of 72 degrees in Homosassa Springs and in Crystal River about 10 miles north
also provides warm safe heaven in the winter season for hundreds of manatees. Visitors can see West Indian
manatees every day of the year from the park's underwater observatory in the main spring. This elevated
boardwalk starts at the park entrance and surrounds the main spring to the Fish Bowl which is the underwater
observatory. The Fish Bowl floating underwater observatory offers an unequalled, below-the-surface view of
manatees and fish in the clear spring environment.
However, we had seen hundreds of manatees and many fish in beautiful Blue Spring State Park in Part 4 of
this trip. Therefore, we did not spend time to see manatees and fish in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State
Park. Instead, we spend most of time here watching many kinds of birds and other wildlife.

Majestic whooping crane (美洲的丹頂白鶴) in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Whooping crane is the
tallest American bird (5 feet tall) with a wing span of 7.5 feet and is named for the loud and prolonged sound
of its call.
However, whooping crane is critically endangered. The Whooping Crane is the rarest of the world’s 15 crane
species. It was near extinction in 1940s, only 15 left in 1940-1941. Intensive conservation efforts in last 50
years have increased the population of whooping crane to about 300. We, therefore, are very happy to see
the rare but majestic whooping crane here in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
Zoom in for a closer view of the head of whooping crane.
Black necked stilt with long legs.
Graceful egret.
Beautiful pink colored Flamingo
Brown Pelican
Alligators in this wildlife park
More Flamingos and other birds in this wildlife park.
Moorhen
Night Heron
Many fish in the pond.
Juvenile ibises
Adult white ibis.
Cinnamon Teal
Green Heron
Female wood duck
Horned Owl


Great blue heron
White pelicans
How I use information age technologies to enhance my enjoyment greatly of sightseeing large driving tour loop
of thousands of miles and of one to two weeks in duration covering many Points of Interest is described on my
web page at:
http://www.shltrip.com/Sightseeing_in_Information_Age.html