More than one-third of Citrus County’s 682 square miles are protected as federal, state or county protected areas, providing habitat to 27 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, 35 species of fish, and 68 species of birds. Of those, 12 species of birds and mammals are considered by the state or federal government to be threatened or endangered, including the Southern bald eagle, the manatee, the scrub jay, the red cockaded woodpecker, and the Florida black bear. Because the wildlife is protected, it is not unusual to see egrets, herons and other majestic birds strolling across backyards and waiting patiently as fishermen clean their catches dockside.
You can view alligators as they leisurely sun themselves on logs as you boat along Citrus County’s various rivers and lakes. Or, take an airboat ride and discover even more of Citrus County’s natural beauty.
If you’re a bird water and you’ve never been to Citrus County, you may want to spend a day or two touring the areas and finding the ones most appealing to you. A suggestion… take your notebook, camera and field glasses with you, because you will add to your list even as you plan. And, be sure to pick up a Field Checklist of The Birds of Citrus County, Florida. These are available in the local Chamber of Commerce offices in Inverness, Crystal River and Homosassa. The Citrus County Audubon Society can be reached by writing to PO Box 2943, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447, should you care to contact them before your trip, or after, to report any unusual sightings.
Capt Karen’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours
11400 S Kelsi Terr
Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 382-3818
Capt Ken’s Chassahowitzka River Tours
8215 W Bounty Ct
Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 382-0837
Capt Mike’s Lazy River Cruises on the Withlacoochee River
Werner Ct.
Hernando, Fl 34442
(352) 637-2726
Crystal Lodge Dive Center, Inc
525 NW 7th Ave
Crystal River, FL 34428-3952
(352) 795-6798
River Safaris & Gulf Charters, Inc
10823 Yulee Dr
Homosassa, FL 34448-3817
(352) 628-5222
Wild Bill’s Airboat Tours & Wildlife Park
12430 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy.
Inverness, FL 34450
(352) 726-6060