Riverbanks Adventure Forum

Homosassa Springs Wildlife Refuge Park – A New Christmas Fawn!

// December 23rd, 2009 // Adventures, wildlife photography

 

5 day old Fawn by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

With the temperatures the past few nights dipping into low forties and the kids on Winter break, I thought it would be a great time for a trip up to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park to see wild Manatees gathering in the warm spring and other animals in the park.
We arrived early, around 9:30 A.M. just after the park had opened. Immediately we strolled for the boardwalk that lies along the Spring Run to catch a glimpse of those gentle giants. We stood and watched as they came up for air, flashed their tales, and occasionally rolled on their backs to show off their belly. We made our way through the Christmas lights to the viewing shelter that sits on the Homosassa River just in time to see a boat load of snorkelers arrive. It was fun to hear the young swimmers squeal with delight as they eased into the cool water to swim near one of these large mammals. We watched as a young Manatee, who equally enjoys these encounters, approached the boat patiently waiting for the divers to join.
After a cool blast of air chills our spine, my son and I decide to seek shelter and head to the Fishbowl, the unique underwater viewing area immersed the spring head itself. As we descend a short flight of stairs we find that the name is well deserved. On a cool day we saw hundreds of snook, and other smaller schools of Crevalle Jack, Sheep head and other freshwater fish virtually fill the viewing windows. Occasionally a captive manatee will make an appearance and swim near the window causing a ruckus by displacing the fish seeking refuge in the warm spring. This state park is unique in the Florida Park system in that it provides a place to rehabilitate injured manatees to be released back into captivity.
After having had our fill of the fishbowl, we make our way to the wildlife walk. I had overheard conversation the day before between two park volunteers that there was a baby deer, a fawn, that was only a few days old in the deer pen. My son and I were excited about seeing this new addition to the State Park. As we approached the pen, the little fawn had just finished nursing and was playfully stumbling about exploring his new world. We watched for several moments before he went to hide behind some rocks. My sons face lit up as new knew we were lucky to have shared such a moment to see a baby deer. He talked about it for several moments as we went on to the next exhibit. I smiled knowing this will be one of our outdoor excursions he will remember for a lifetime.
The park is lesser known for its animal park that leads you through natural Florida to view Florida animals and birds in their native habitat. Although it is lesser known, it is just not any less exciting due to the close viewing proximity of these animals. There is a several Florida alligators, an endangered Florida Panther, two bobcats, two Black Bear, several fox and wolves that scurry about when the weather is cool. It was a precious moment to see my child’s eyes fill with wonderment as he observes these wild animals just a few yards away.

A non-native Hippo with loads of personality named Lou has been at the park since 1967 and is a natural at playing the crowd when he is in the mood. Over the years we have seen this master of performance show off his nasty teeth with a full mouth yawn, show off his power as he snorts water several feet into the air and fling his scat into the crowd as he swings his tail in a circular motion while defecating. There is never a dull moment when Lou is awake.

The park has an amazing collection of native bird species here and a great place for bird lovers to see these magnificent creatures up close. Most of the birds are here seeking refuge after having been injured in the wild. Watch the Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Barn Owl, as they gracefully spin their head in an almost complete circle as if their necks were boneless. The Bald Eagles strut grandly about and the Sandhill Cranes do their daily squawking. Other penned up birds include an American kestrel, Red Shouldered Hawk, Green Backed Heron, pair of endangered Whooping Crane, and a whole pen of Roseate Spoonbill. In the midst of a moat there is an island full of the exotic Pink Flamingoes chattering as they straighten and curl their signature“S”shaped necks. Great white Swan, wood ducks and brown Pelicans float about the pond enjoying a morning stroll just a few yards away. This is a great place to take the family on a cool winter day for spectacular close up view of wildlife for a modest price!

View more photos of Homossassa Springs State Park on Flickr!