Our expedition crew started day six exploring Brahma Island in Lake Kissimmee on foot and then by airboat. They saw an abundance of wildlife like alligators and a snail kite, one of the 28 endangered species on the island.
By Jeep, they saw bald eagles and bald eagles nests. The eagles are raising their young here, including one five-week old fledgling.
“It’s got the largest concentration of non-migratory bald eagles in north America," said Cary Lightsey, Brahma Island Owner and Rancher. "We’ve counted up to 100 eagles on this island at one time. There’s 14 active nests.”
Lightsey said they have given seven land easements to the government. In return for not developing the land, they are allowed to keep cattle on it.
“It’s a win-win situation for us; we get to continue doing what we love to do. We just run cows here instead of building homes,” Lightsey said.
However, some ranchers disagree because the government doesn’t pay full price for the land
“I think some people down the road would like to maybe make the extra money on a future development,” Lightsey said.
Day six ends here at Brahma Island, just a short boat ride away from the campground Shady Oaks.
On day seven, the team heads head to the historic town of Kisso.
News 13 will have daily updates from the crew making a documentary on the trip for News 13 and Bright House Networks.
You can watch all of our Expedition: Kissimmee River stories anytime at no additional cost, on Central Florida On Demand. That's Channel 300 on digital cable. Click on Central Florida News 13, and scroll over to Expedition: Kissimmee River.