This is the eighth installment of 12 Things to Experience on an Everglades Airboat Tour which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.
The Everglades is known throughout the world for its abundant bird life. The warm, shallow, and vast “river” has attracted many types of birds to this region for thousands of years.
In the 1800s an artist named John James Audubon, wrote during a visit to south Florida, “We observed great flocks of wading birds flying overhead toward their evening roosts …. They appeared in such numbers to actually block out the light from the sun for some time.”
The Everglades is home to several species of large wading birds such as…
…roseate spoonbills, wood storks, great blue herons and a variety of other herons, and a wide variety of egrets.
There are plenty of other land birds, migrating birds, and birds of prey.
Birdwatching is some of the best in the world, and can be enjoyed year round in the Everglades. However, it is truly world class during the winter months when many birds migrate to South Florida. Birds enjoy the warm, balmy climate, leaving the cold barren conditions of the North behind. This has also inspired the nickname for our seasonal human residents as Snow Birds!
Hint: Wading birds are better viewed during a low tide, which is meal time for most of them. If you are lucky enough to be there during a low tide and sunset, you will have the recipe for some AMAZING photos!
Also, don’t be surprised if you have a very close encounter with a Brown Pelican during your Everglades Airboat tour. These large curious birds will often land on a passing boat to look for fish. Don’t worry, they are not a dangerous bird, as long as you are not a fish!
Check out our video & photo gallery to see more footage of native birds. If you are ready to see the birds and other wildlife in person come see us at Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours located in Everglades City. When you tour with Captain Jack’s, you’ll receive a FREE photo holding a baby alligator with your camera! If you would like to learn more about us or if you are ready to book your trip contact us online, call us toll free at 1-800-282-9194, or connect with Captain Jack’s on Facebook.
– Captain Jack