Category Archives: Alligator

Juniper Springs,Ocala National Forest,Fl

Howdee all,

While in the Ocala National Forest, Jeff and I went to five natural Springs in the area. The first springs we went to was Silver Springs ~we paddled to the springs from  Silver River state park…see my previous post.

This Day we went to Juniper springs..

Juniper Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest.Florida:

Take I-75 to Exit 352
Go East for approx. 30 miles. The turn is on the left

We walked the board walk..

juniper and Alexander springs_001To the canoe and kayak put in area…juniper and Alexander springs_002The water here is very shallow..juniper and Alexander springs_003

Canoe or Kayak Juniper Springs

The seven-mile canoe run from Juniper Springs is one of the best canoeing opportunities in central Florida. The canopied creek winds through dense, primeval forests that seem untouched by man — on weekdays, anyway. Come early in the morning and you’ll paddle through dappled light that filters through the trees down into crystalline water. Via Florida Traveler

Jeff and I didn’t canoe this area, but it will be on my list for the next visit read this description here if you are interested. Crystal clear water…

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Juniper Springs was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1930’s. The millhouse provided housing and power to the resident caretakers until 1967. It is now an exhibit area. The spring pumps out a 13 million gallons of fresh water per day. The water is a constant 72 degrees.

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Juniper Springs is a 2nd magnitude spring with an oval-shaped pool that measures about 120 feet north to south and 90 feet east to west. Several limestone vents and sand boils are present on the pool bottom, with sand and aquatic grasses in other areas of the pool. The clear, bluish water has a low dissolved solids concentration compared with most Florida springs. 

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A limestone and concrete wall with steps and other access points surrounds the pool. An old millhouse and spillway are on the east side of the pool. Numerous sand boils are located down the run from the main pool, with the largest by the bridge over the run. The springs are the headwaters of Juniper Creek, which meanders toward the northeast through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness for about 10 miles to Lake George. 

juniper and Alexander springs_030Beautiful waters for swimming…much to cold for my blood this time of year,but there were a few brave swimmers.juniper and Alexander springs_033

A view of the pool from inside the Mill house..juniper and Alexander springs_046juniper and Alexander springs_054One of the Boils juniper and Alexander springs_061

We took a short walk around the area..juniper and Alexander springs_073To a very green algae filled pool.. juniper and Alexander springs_075shades of blue..juniper and Alexander springs_081

And lurking beneath the tree…

These critters are not in the swimming pool 🙂juniper and Alexander springs_093

Besides a beautiful pool of water to swim in..the park has a campground with 89 sites some large enough for Motorhomes. No hook ups are available. juniper and Alexander springs_101This looks like a great little destination park for families…juniper and Alexander springs_117

Swimming- Canoeing- a few hiking trails and a Campground

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Three more springs to show you….stay tuned..

In Case you missed~My post a Birdingblogs.com

Explaining why I will only be posting there once a Month..

check it out~

Featured Bird Blogger of the Week~ cancelled due to Scandal

Green Cay Wetlands with the Badbirdz

Howdee all,

I cant say enough about Green Cay Nature Center..

Green Cay Nature Center is the county’s newest nature center that overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland and provides educational opportunities about this unique habitat. The wetland features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk featuring interpretive signs about the habitat. The Nature Center includes a lecture hall, gift shop, and live animals in an extensive exhibit room that highlights wetland attributes. Come for a visit and find that there’s something for everyone at this fantastic new facility!

I love this place! I could spend all day here…Granted its not in the wilds,it is an Oasis in a noisy sprawling developed area in Boynton Beach.

I love the Colors here..the green of the algae and Duck weed…Close up views of birds…Green Cay_036

This particular day we met up with Angel and Mariel Abreu of Badbirz-reloaded.Green Cay_046 (1)

Below is a bit about their website

Noel Wamer made us all “radar junkies”. Just because he’s off the official scene, doesn’t mean we can all up and quit cold-turkey. This blog is an attempt to keep the radar images coming, and to engage birders, scientists, and anyone else who is interested, in the study of migration using radar. Beginning in October 2008, Angel and Mariel Abreu joined the Badbirdz team as contributing authors, and as of Spring 2009 have become the primary authors and administrators of the site.  My other site, http://www.woodcreeper.com, tracks nocturnal migration over New Jersey, and was heavily influenced by Noel’s old website, badbirdz.com. ~David LaPuma

They could use your support..if you would like to donate to keep their website running go to this page.

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Green Cay_137We had a wonderful time with Angel and Mariel, they are great naturalists and birders, who enjoy taking their time to study all things nature. They don’t rush around to see it all, they immerse themselves into what is happening at the moment.

Green Cay_037 I filled a 4gb card taking photos and videoGreen Cay_044So I wont be showing them all here…Green Cay_050Instead, I will, feature a few of the critters we saw in their own posts….

So..until then enjoy some of the highlights of the day..

Turtle stack!Jeffs photos Green Cay_004Moss covered Turtles…Green Cay_101A huge Alligator…Green Cay_150Some sort of wasp… Green Cay_071American Coot..Green Cay_064Common MoorhenGreen Cay_120Blue-winged TealGreen Cay_128Green HeronGreen Cay_175Sora…..we saw six of them!Green Cay_199Tri-colored Heron

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Limpkin… Green Cay_360

White Ibis Green Cay_370Black-bellied Whistling Duck Green Cay_005Blue-headed VireoGreen Cay_154Pied-billed GrebeGreen Cay_066Painted BuntingJeffs photos Green Cay_021Glossy IbisGreen Cay_020 (1)A Lovely place…Green Cay_144

Stay tuned for more from Green Cay!Green Cay_045 (1)