The Florida Everglades offer a variety of habitats that are home to an amazing array of birds and wildlife. But, as is increasingly the case all over the world, man is encroaching on the delicate balance of these tropical wetlands with disastrous results. The latest casualty in the Florida Everglades is the Snail Kite which, according to the most recent count, is now considered to be critically endangered in this region.

A number of possible reasons has been cited for this dire situation, but the main factors appear to be extended periods of drought, together with an Everglades water management scheme that has been a subject of controversy for some time now. This has resulted in a loss of suitable breeding sites due to the dwindling of suitable food sources for these regal birds. The Snail Kite’s diet consists mainly of aquatic snails from the family Ampullariidae – commonly known as apple snails – which are deftly extracted from their hard, golf-ball sized shells by means of the bird’s specially adapted beak.

A small number of adult Snail Kites have been spotted in their historic nesting grounds of the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee. However, the majority of the surviving birds have relocated to a chain of Central Florida lakes about 100 miles north, where they have been seen nesting at Lake Tohopekaliga in Florida’s Osceola County. The decline in the Snail Kite’s numbers is seen by many as a reflection of the ineffectiveness of federal wildlife protection and conservation measures in the Everglades.

The Miccosukee tribe has long argued against the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s implementation of a plan to protect the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow which is restricted to the Everglades. The plan, which involves closing floodgates along the Tamiami Trail in an effort to prevent flooding of the sparrows’ nesting area, causes water to back up and flood tree islands in tribal lands north of the trail, killing off the tiny eggs laid by apple snails on the stems of marsh plants, thereby breaking a link in the vital food chain of the Everglades which Snail Kites rely on. Joette Lorion, spokesperson for the Miccosukee tribe, draws attention to the fact that they Sable Seaside Sparrow is being saved at the expense of the Snail Kite.

Field supervisor at the Wildlife Service’s Vero Beach office, Paul Souza, acknowledges that the current situation is not ideal, but is confident that upcoming plans to improve water flow through Tamiami Trail in an Everglades restoration project will improve conditions for both the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow and the Snail Kite.

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3. Endangered Bird Species on the Road to Recovery

The moment the word “Everglades” is spoken, many people imagine the dark waters of a marshland filled with alligators. However, even though alligators are at home in the Florida Everglades, it is the bird species that steal the spotlight from these illusive predators. Birding in the Florida Everglades has become a popular activity, and while silently waiting for a bird to appear visitors also get the chance to meet some of the other fascinating animals that have carved out their own existence in the Florida Everglades.

The rich animal and bird life in the Florida Everglades continues to exist due to the selfless efforts of conservationists and everglade protection advocates, such as Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who have fought against development and the destruction of this precious land. After the year 1930, many developers had their sights set on commercial and industrial growth in the Florida Everglades, destroying river flows and reducing some of the area from healthy eco systems to unforgiving marshlands. Through awareness and endless battles, establishments, such as the Everglades National Park, have been opened to conserve this breathtaking piece of natural paradise.

The varying eco systems and unique network of swamps, rivers, prairies, ponds and large pools of water, create ideal living and nesting environments for a large variety of birds. While birding in the Florida Everglades, bird watching enthusiasts can look forward to seeing Osprey, Purple Gallinule, Great Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Common Moorhen, White Ibis, Reddish Egret, Bald Eagles, Pelicans, Wood Storks and Red Tailed Hawks, to name a few. With over ten thousand small islands scattered throughout the Florida Everglades, visitors will be amazed to see how every living species within the everglades reside together and survive the changing climates and conditions.

Other wonderful animals to be on the lookout for include Wild Hogs, American Crocodiles, American Alligators, Raccoons, Deer, Opossums, Treefrogsm Florida King Snakes, Tree Snails, Indian Manatees, Giant Land Crabs and the magnificent Florida Panther. Of course there a many ways to view the birds of the Florida Everglades, such as kayak excursions, river cruisers, motorboat trips and canoeing. Not surprisingly, very few visitors volunteer to canoe or kayak through the waterways. After a day of searching for the magnificent birds of the everglades, visitors can also enjoy some of the activities offered by the park, in a safe and restricted area. Here the adventurous travelers can practice their horse riding skills, try their hand at jet skiing, snorkel, swim and even fish. The Florida Everglades is a wonderful natural destination, and a paradise for birds and wildlife.

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