Bird tour in the remote 10000 Islands

If you are a bird enthusiast, there is no better place to see amazing bird activity than in the 10,000 Islands of Florida. This remote, hard-to-access, chain of mangrove and barrier islands is a refuge for migrating birds in the winter months. Birds such as the immense white pelican with its 10-foot wingspan travel to Florida to sun and rest during winter.

Snowbirds galore

Over two billion birds fly to Florida in the winter months to stay warm. The great bird migration is so impressive it may be the best bird watching in the world all year. Escaping their cold home climates, these “snowbirds” fly thousands of miles to stay warm and enjoy Florida’s warm climate and beautiful beaches in the winter.

Mangrove islands provide bird habitat

The mangroves of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge create a perfect habitat for wintering birds. There is plenty of safety and protection from the mangrove’s thick, tangles roots and dense canopies. Plus, there is plenty of food available for our feathered friends. The mangrove islands are teaming with life, providing food for the tiniest creatures in the mangrove mud.

Watch the osprey hunt and raise their chicks

The “fish eagle” excels in this nearshore estuary due to the excess fish to catch and eat. The osprey mates for life and returns to the same nest year after year to raise their young. Adaptation increases success, and the osprey knows all about it. Nesting in man-made objects in the winter (instead of summer like up north) has made these raptors even more successful in south Florida.

Have you met the burrowing owls of Marco Island?

Possibly the cutest animal on the planet, Marco Island’s burrowing owls are protected and found all over the island. These cute little Strigiformes find shade and cooler temperatures in their ground burrows. Watch out for low-flying owls! Yes, the warning signs on our island are actual. These cute burrowing owls tend to fly low to the ground.

Birding enthusiasts love bird boat tours

What better way to enjoy your vacation on Marco Island than on a bird boat tour? Our captains and guide are experts at finding incredible bird habitats in the remote 10000 Islands. Our captains also know where the birds are depending on the tide and can show you some amazing bird rookeries. If birds are your favorite animal, do yourself a favor and book a bird boat tour.