Bird watching
Bird watching on the island is rewarding. Pelicans and other waterfowl are prevalent in the city. The brown pelican is the most common: in adulthood it reaches a length of about 4 feet and has a wingspan of 6.5 to 7.5 feet, weighing in at about 9 pounds. Its straight bill has an enormous pouch for catching fish to feed itself and its young. During the winter white pelicans arrive in quite large numbers. Other species include, ibis, egret, heron, gull, sandpiper, skimmer and spoonbill.
Dolphin watching
Bottlenose dolphins can be observed both in the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf. These intelligent animals can e observed from bridges, piers or boats and also from just standing along the shore. An adult dolphin can typically weigh from 440 to 600 pounds and reach an average length of 10 feet. They are wild animals and have very sharp teeth and it is against the law to feed them. These friendly animals often live from 30 to 50 years. They often dive in and out of the wake from boats, leaping high into the air and thrilling their watching audience.
Manatee watching
The manatees found in this region are a subspecies of the West India manatee. Also known as sea cows, these large herbivores are often seen in shallow coastal waters including canals, rivers, springs and the bay. They are an endangered species that is fully protected by Florida law and should only be observed from a distance. Powerboats frequently fatally injure or damage manatees, scarring their backs with their propellers so if boaters are in a manatee zone they must slow down. These gentle creatures are a joy to watch as they meander through the water.
|
