By Lauren Tjaden

An osprey tucking his blade-like wings against his sides and plummeting into the ocean; pelicans, gliding in formation along the beach, riding the invisible currents of air as one; a bald eagle simply resting on a branch, majestic and strong and fierce: these sights move me.

If, like me, you’re inspired by birds like these, consider soaring over to Naples for a bird’s eyes view of our feathered friends this spring. Throughout April, birdwatchers, callers and bird enthusiasts can see these animals in their natural habitats through a variety of tours and events. Area avian adventures include:

A Sunset Birding Cruise on "The Good Fortune." In this unique, leisurely adventure, Coast Guard-certified captains take you on a pontoon boat-tour through Rookery Bay, a great spot for nature photography.

A birding walk on the Rookery Bay's Free Briggs Boardwalk. Explore the boardwalk daily from dawn until dusk – either by yourself, or with the help of Conservancy of Southwest Florida's volunteer nature and bird guides, available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A Friends of Fakahatchee Guided Boardwalk Tour along the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. Join experienced park staff and Friends of Fakahatchee volunteer naturalists on a guided trip. Expect to see alligators, wading birds and even a nesting pair of Bald Eagles.

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