Riverbanks Adventure Forum

Manatee – Gentle Giants Abundant at Blue Springs State Park

// December 1st, 2009 // Adventures, Canoeing, Florida, Hiking, Kayaking, wildlife photography

 

Manatee Munching by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

After a warm and friendly Thanksgiving Dinner with some new found friends this year, we decided it would be best to shed the excessive calories and avoid the aggressive shopping crowds by hiking outdoors on Black Friday.  Coincidentally a Florida cold front had been over the middle part of the state for two nights.  Florida cold fronts are mild compared to other parts of the United States, but two nights back to back in the low 40′s is enough to force the West Indian Manatee to seek warm waters in the Springs.  Florida Springs always stay at a consistent 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit year round and are perfect places for Manatees and other aquatic life to seek refuge when the water temperatures begin to drop. 

For our outing we decided to travel to Blue Springs State Park and walk along the Boardwalk Trail that parallels the scenic spring run.  To our delight, manatees were abundant and full of character in the spring run today.  Mothers and calves seeking refuge, lone Manatees resting on the bottom of the spring, and others seeking food anywhere they see fit.  One manatee was munching the ferns off a fallen cabbage palm, another was chewing on a buoy rope, and a medium size calf was eating the algae off the railing of  the observation deck!  The Boardwalk itself was a wonderful 1/2 mile hike from the St. Johns River to the Blue Spring Headwaters with many areas along the way to observe these adorable gentle giants. 

Along with the manatees, there was plenty of other wildlife around for viewing including fish hunting birds such as Anhingas and Cormorants and freshwater fish such as Alligator Gar, Tarpon and others that can be easily recognized in the crisp clear spring water.

The Blue Spring boardwalk is great for families with children and ADA accessible for visitors who have special needs.  The park also offers canoe rental for those who would like to venture into the St. Johns river and have  a closer encounter with these playful see cows.   St. Johns River Cruises  offers guided River Tours from which you will not only see manatee, but will venuture up the St Johns River to other points of interest that offer an intimate view of wildlife.  This pontoon boat is also one of the few on the St. Johns River that is ADA compliant for passengers with special needs. 

See more photos of Blue Spring on flickr