Orlando Airboat Rides
Bald eagles are making a comeback in Florida, and have seen a 9 percent increase in their population since 2008. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimated approximately 1,457 active bald eagle nests in Florida, compared to the 88 nests in 1973. In the 1960’s, the nation came close to losing its national symbol to extinction due to hunting, pesticides, and loss of habitat. The FWC hopes to increase the population of the species, while avoiding the disturbance of nesting eagles. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one on our Orlando airboat rides.
With the help of the FWC and the Audubon Society, the protection and conservation of bald eagles has been successful in the recovery of these regal birds. Audubon Florida has been monitoring the nests through EagleWatch, a program dedicated to identifying potential threats to the eagles and their nests. Rehabilitation and recovery efforts by a birds of prey center in Maitland, operated by Audubon of Florida, have also returned to the wild 450 bald eagles since 1979.
Although they are not officially endangered or threatened, bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act, prohibiting anyone without a permit from taking or disturbing bald eagles or their nests.
The largest concentration of bald eagles in Florida is located around coastal and freshwater regions of Central Florida, near Kissimmee, and in Osceola and Polk Counties. Bald eagles are just one of the many species of animals you will encounter at Wild Florida's Orlando airboat rides. Take an Orlando airboat rides today and see for yourself how majestic natural Florida really is!
