This season NEVER disappoints Danny Lippi...

Ask Danny Lippi what season is his favorite, and he MIGHT tell you it's fall. Yes the relief from the oppressive Florida sun is great, but what really gets him excited has nothing to do with the weather!

Fall in Florida brings birds from all over the continent (and sometimes farther) as they risk life and limb to travel 1,ooo's of miles. The journey of these amazing avians is not one of ease. Migratory birds face starvation, predation, environmental changes, exhaustion and a myriad of different variables that can be dangerous for themselves and their young.

A significant traveler of the North American Migration Flyway is the Bald Eagle. The symbol of American pride and integrity, this raptor has captivated millions by reputation alone. Alaska's Bald Eagle count puts their numbers at 35,000 for their state! Florida's population is rebounding but current numbers put us at 1,000 nesting pairs (which is the highest concentration in the lower 48 states).

Four of the five kayak tour locations get a good look of a nesting site for two local bald eagle pairs.

"Four foot by five foot, this nest probably weighs upwards of 300lbs. As these birds will keep coming back to the same nest year after year, you can imagine how big this could get. I have seen nests get so big that they break the trees they live in due to sheer weight. We start to see the pair in the fall, and they will be here through the spring to raise their young." Danny says during a tour at Guana. "Their mating rituals are incredible to watch, they free fall with talons locked together almost hitting the water. They break apart at the last second only to soar up and do it all again. It is simply one of the most heart-stopping things to see."

Bald Eagles aren't the only birds to pass through Florida. Different types of terns, gulls, song birds, raptors and a cornucopia of other species fly through these skies to mark the end of summer, and the beginning of an incredible birding season!

If Danny has inspired you to venture out and see these incredible flyers, check out our Birding kayak tours. We use "hands free" kayaks so that you can observe, photograph and point out all the exciting wildlife out there! There is only a limited time to catch these birds in our area so get going!