Thursday, September 25, 2014
ONCE MORE INTO THE PARK
Another visit to the Childrens Education Center at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to test out a new camera. Managed to get a very nice profile shot of the Alligator Snapper. His head is about 3 or 4 fists in size.
Then headed over to see Lu, and caught the end of the day's program about Lu. After, Vicki, Lu's best friend, and a Park Ranger, turned the hose on him, something he loves, and at the end of that, he gave us a special display.
This is "full open" and is a threat display. Hippos eat grasses and fruits: for that, they barely part their lips. However, if another male challenges their position, they attack one another with a full open mouth, scraping each other with their big front teeth. Their bite is as powerful as that of an alligator.
Lu has "bad" teeth- they curve out and around his jaw, so they would not be very effective in such an encounter: in the wild, he would be easily defeated and probably killed. However, as a movie and TV star, he lived a pampered life and never faced such challenges.
:)
Jud
Labels: Florida, Hippopotamus, Homosassa Spring, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, HSWLSP, Jud, Lu
Monday, September 22, 2014
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 AT THE WILDLIFE PARK
It was a bit overcast today as I visited the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, but that made for some good lighting for photography.
From the Garden of the Springs, I looked out over the Homosassa River, fed by the 50-60+ million gallons of water the spring pumps out every day.
A newly bonded pair of Wood Ducks also was taking in the view. The Wood Ducks have just returned to the area this last week.
From the bridge across the Homosassa River, I just missed getting this large fish that was leaping into the air.
A pair or tourists gaze in wonder at two of our permanent resident manatees.
A few moments later, I grabbed this shot at the end of the bridge.
A bit further into the park, a few of the new arrivals prepare for the mating ritual.
Park Volunteer Marcie tosses a hunk of hard squash to Lu after the program. He was not very cooperative during the presentation today, but once the people turned their sights to the alligators on the other side, he was all for getting his.
Y'all come back and see us again!
:)
Jud
Labels: Alligator, animals, Daktari, Florida, Fountain, Hippopotamus, homosassa, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, HSWLSP, Jud, Wood Duck
Thursday, July 24, 2014
LU GETS HOSED
