10 Breathtaking Saltwater Birds to Spot on Your Daytona Beach Intracoastal Waterway Cruise!
Ahoy, birders and nature enthusiasts! When visiting the area, you will find that Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna, and Daytona Beach's Intracoastal Waterway isn't just a playground for boaters; it's a vibrant avian theater unfolding before your eyes. To help you navigate this feathered spectacle, we've compiled a list of 10 must-see saltwater birds you can spot while cruising with the best around: Captain Tom aboard Ponce Inlet Watersports' comfortable vessels. So, grab your binoculars, slather on some sunscreen, and let's set sail!
1. Osprey: Soaring high above, with their distinctive white bellies and hooked beaks, these majestic raptors are masters of fish-snatching. Look for them perched on snags or diving headfirst into the water with impressive precision. Migration: Breeds year-round; some northern Ospreys migrate south in winter.
2. Brown Pelican: These comical-looking birds with oversized beaks and pouches are diving acrobats. Watch them plunge into the water like feathered missiles, scooping up fish with their expandable pouches. Migration: Breeds year-round; some northern Pelicans migrate south in winter.
3. Great Egret: Tall and elegant, with white plumage and long, graceful necks, these waders stalk the shallows with piercing yellow eyes, spearing fish with their lightning-fast bills. Migration: Breeds year-round; some northern Egrets migrate south in winter.
4. Double-crested Cormorant: Often seen perched on pilings with wings outstretched, these sleek black birds are skilled divers, hunting fish underwater with powerful legs and webbed feet. Migration: Breeds year-round; some northern Cormorants migrate south in winter.
5. Laughing Gull: These cheeky black-headed gulls with raucous calls are social scavengers, often following boats in hopes of a fishy handout. Watch for their acrobatic aerial displays and listen to their infectious laughter. Migration: Breeds year-round; some northern Gulls migrate south in winter.
6. Caspian Tern: With their sleek gray bodies, black caps, and long, pointed wings, these elegant terns patrol the water, hovering and plunging to catch small fish. Listen for their piercing screams as they dive. Migration: Breeds in summer on the coast; migrates south for winter.
7. Roseate Spoonbill: These flamboyant pink birds with long, spatula-shaped bills wade in shallows, sweeping their bills side-to-side to stir up tiny crustaceans. Their vibrant color makes them a real showstopper. Migration: Breeds in summer on the coast; migrates south for winter.
8. Willet: With their distinctive black and white wing markings and long, slender legs, these shorebirds probe the mudflats for worms and shellfish. Look for them flitting along the shoreline, bobbing their tails. Migration: Breeds in summer on the coast; migrates south for winter.
9. American Oystercatcher: These noisy black and white birds with long orange beaks pry open oysters and clams with their specialized bills. Listen for their loud, piercing whistles and watch them peck away at tasty bivalves. Migration: Breeds year-round; some northern Oystercatchers migrate south in winter.
10. Red-breasted Merganser: These diving ducks with distinctive sawtooth bills are expert underwater hunters, chasing fish with impressive agility. Look for them swimming in groups, their red heads and white chests catching the sunlight. Migration: Breeds further north; migrates south for winter.
So, why choose Captain Tom Florida and Ponce Inlet Watersports? Captain Tom's lifelong passion for boating and the crew's keen eye for birdlife will make your cruise an unforgettable educational experience.
Ponce Inlet Watersports' comfortable boats and knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Book your adventure today and get ready to be dazzled by the feathered wonders of the Intracoastal Waterway!
Remember: Respect wildlife regulations and observe birds from a safe distance. Let's ensure these magnificent creatures continue to grace our waterways for generations to come.
Happy birding, and smooth sailing!
