Birding in the swamps of Florida January 23, 2014

Thursday 1/23/14 was another banner birding day. Near freezing night time temps really bring the birds out the next day. With the sun warming things up and the clear blue sky, we headed out with binoculars in hand. We had the pleasure of seeing the Limpkin, Purple Gallinule, Great Egrets, White Ibis, Snowy Egrets, Little Blues and Black Crowned Night Herons. There were lots of Great Blue Herons, Anhingas, Vultures and Cormorants out too. At the Manatee spot, we had a few nice encounters and there are over 300 in the spring run now. After a quick paddle up Snake Creek, we decided it was time to head back. Just 1 thing was missing though... and then... up in the tallest tree, there he was... the sentinel, the Bald Eagle. After we saw him, we spied 2 young Bald Eagles learning how to live their lives. It was a great day to be on the river!