Birding
Adventures

Big Lake Tohopekaliga (Big Toho) in Kissimmee Florida is well known for it's bass fishing. But it is a well kept secret about it's exotic tropical birds and wildlife. We have the greatest variety of exotic tropical birds in all of Central Florida. Little is known about the tropical birds and wildlife on the lake. Lake Toho has four pair of nesting Bald Eagles, five different species of Herons, three different species of Egrets, three different species of owls, Snail Kites ( an endangered species), Ospreys, Sand Hill cranes, Wood Storks, Rosiest Spoonbills, and many other tropical birds and ducks.

On the right is a few of our tropical birds. On our 90 minute Scenic Eco Tour you can get a glimpse of some of these birds and other wildlife. We also offer a 2.5 hour nature on Makinson Island which includes a Scenic Eco Tour. But for the best photo shoot you will need to book a private charter by the hour. Some species only appear at certain times of the year so call ahead to book your charter and request the species that you want to view or photo.

SnAIL kITES

Snail Kites are an endangered species and can be found on the Kissimmee River Chain of Lakes beginning in Kissimmee on Big Lake Tohopekaliga and ending at Lake Okeechobee and in the Everglades. This endangered raptor feeds primarily on apple snail which feed on algae from aquatic plants found in lakes and wet lands in this region. You will find Snail Kites nesting around bull rushes, cattails and willows. You can see them hunting for snails slowly flying along the shorelines above floating aquatic plants.

To the left are some photos of Snail Kites taken on Big Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, Fl. Click on the photos to enlarge. For more information on the Snail Kites you can call us at 800-247-1309 or visit the Florida Wildlife Commission at:

Florida Wildlife Commissions
Snail Kite Web Site

Swallow Tail Kite