The Best Bird Watching in Florida
St Augustine is the ultimate bird lovers paradise
Exploring St Augustine’s coastal birdlife on a clear kayaking adventure with Get Up and Go Kayaking~St Augustine is the ideal way to get up close with our feathered friends.
Paddling through the serene waters of St Augustine, it’s easy to see why this region is a paradise for birdwatchers. The Vilano Landing launch site is the home of our Dolphins and Wildlife Ecotour. Our clear kayaks take you through the breathtaking beauty of St Augustine’s historical coastline while enjoying this bird lover’s ultimate adventure.
The St Augustine Lighthouse launch site features the pristine waters of the Salt Run Estuary. This beautiful waterway is lined with the majestic mangrove forest of the Anastasia State Park. The St Augustine Alligator Farm and Rookery are very close to our launch site. The Rookery is world class and naturally attracts many of the migratory birds into the local mangroves.
Spring has arrived, and so have two of the most elegant birds in all of Florida. The magnificent Roseate Spoonbill and the elegant Least Tern. St Augustine is the home of the spring migration for these wonderful birds. Come experience the colors and sounds of these birds in their natural habitat.
Meet the locals: Birds you’re likely to see on your tour
On our clear kayaking tours, we commonly see many of the local sea birds including Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets. Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Wood Storks, Osprey and Brown Pelicans.
But wait… there’s more! Much more!
St Augustine’s picturesque waterways are also home for the American Oystercatcher. These rare birds are easily identifiable by their bold black and white plumage and bright orange bill. The American Oystercatcher is a favorite sighting on our tours. They patrol the sandbars and oyster beds using their specialized beaks to pry open shellfish. Thayer often spotted in pairs, making them a fun addition to any kayaking adventure.
Two of the most recognizable birds along our route are the Great Egret and Snowy Egret. Their striking white plumage stands out against the lush green of the estuary. While the Great Egret moves with slow deliberate grace, the smaller Snowy Egret is often more animated, darting after fish in the shallow waters.
The Brown Pelican is a must-see on the tour. One of the most exciting sights on the tour are the Brown Pelicans. These large birds soar over the water, then suddenly touch their wings and dive, plunging headfirst into the seas to scoop up fish. Whether they’re gliding in formation along the coastline or resting on the docks, they are an unmistakable presence on the waterways.
YES! We also see the majestic American Bald Eagle!
One of the most unforgettable moments on our tour occurred when we spotted a Bald Eagle on our secluded beach. As we paddled closer, the eagle glanced our way but remained focused on its meal. We respectfully kept our distance, watching in complete awe. Then, in a breathtaking moment, it spread it’s massive wings and took flight, circling our group before disappearing into the mangrove forest.
We were lucky enough to capture this incredible sighting on video, which you can check out on our Instagram page!
Experience the magic for yourself! everey tour offers a near and exciting glimpse into the wildlife of St Augustine. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just love being surrounded by nature, our clear kayaking tours provide an unforgettable way to connect with the beauty of the coast.
Book your adventure today and see what amazing sights await you on the water!