Birding in the Remarkable Florida Everglades
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.
