Lake Manatee, a reservoir on the Manatee River east of Bradenton, was created in the 1960s; Lake Manatee State Park stretches along its southern shore. Those who visit the Park to camp or hike while enjoying views of the Lake may be a bit disappointed; indeed, shoreline views of Lake Manatee are limited to the boat launch and the small swimming area.
The Park's trails primarily loop through scrubby flat woods, characterized by stands of pine, live oak and palmetto, offering only distant views of the lake. On the other hand, hikers may encounter gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, marsh rabbits and gray fox; plants of interest include garberia and the rare Florida goldenaster. Birds of note include bald eagles, ospreys and sandhill cranes and American alligators may be observed.
On this hot, sunny morning, we followed the 1.8 mile Gopher Trail Loop in the eastern section of the Park. Sightings included a lone anhinga, an osprey, black vultures, Cooper's hawks, red-bellied woodpeckers and gray catbirds, among other songbirds. An early morning or evening hike would have been more enjoyable and more productive for wildlife viewing.
The Park's trails primarily loop through scrubby flat woods, characterized by stands of pine, live oak and palmetto, offering only distant views of the lake. On the other hand, hikers may encounter gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, marsh rabbits and gray fox; plants of interest include garberia and the rare Florida goldenaster. Birds of note include bald eagles, ospreys and sandhill cranes and American alligators may be observed.
On this hot, sunny morning, we followed the 1.8 mile Gopher Trail Loop in the eastern section of the Park. Sightings included a lone anhinga, an osprey, black vultures, Cooper's hawks, red-bellied woodpeckers and gray catbirds, among other songbirds. An early morning or evening hike would have been more enjoyable and more productive for wildlife viewing.
