The Little Nuthatch — manatee

Following my day at Myakka River State Park, I headed to the beach at Casey Key for the sunset. There were many birds there, including my first Florida sighting of a Magnificent Frigatebird (no photo)- not so unheard of but they'd been eluding me! Also the first time I had seen Manatees in the ocean, while I am used to seeing them in the rivers and springs, it was sure cool to see them playing in the waves in the water that was positively dazzling in the light of the setting sun!        

All the cold winter days of January mean the manatees flock to the warmer waters of Blue Springs. On the day I went there were over 300 manatees in the springs. There was also a 30+ minute wait time just to get in the park to see them! It was well worth the wait as the manatees were actively playing in the water, and just beneath the docks, right under your feet. You could not ask for better viewing.  

It is the perfect time of year to see manatees here. Blue Springs is a prime spot. I went a few weeks ago and was happy to see lots of little ones this year! They are so cute!