The rich avian life of Florida attracts many birding enthusiasts. The ultimate attraction is the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail which is a network of 510 premier wildlife viewing sites covering pretty much the whole state.
The Southern part of Florida is famous for Everglades National Park, Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas, where a large number of migrant land birds arrive in April, as well as Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, located west of West Palm Beach. You will find many herons, egrets and anhingas at any time, and many shorebirds in the winter.
Merritt Island located in Central Florida near Orlando is a premier birding site with more than 330 species. While on the island visit the famous 7-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive to get the most fulfilling experience. Birding and wildlife viewing is especially good there during the fall and winter months. You can meet such species as the American Avocet, “Dancing” Reddish Egrets, Sora, Northern Pintail, as well as many others.
Other great spots are Peacocks Pocket Road, Catfish Loop, Bio Lab Drive and Gator Creek Road with plenty of wading birds and shorebirds. The lagoon looks great and is full of birds in the spring and fall. There are a few hiking trails and observation platforms in the park. In addition to birds, there is a manatee observation deck at Haulover Canal and plenty of butterflies to marvel in the forests. The Space Coast provides quality birding trips from November through March. Birders can also enjoy the Wildlife Festival which runs for a weekend in January.
The western part of Florida has Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, which is famous for its huge colony of wood storks (more than 1,200 pairs were registered in recent years). The reserve has a comfortable boardwalk system which makes exploring the swamps quite pleasant. There are also plenty of herons and egrets, barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and migrant species in the sanctuary.
The Tallahassee area in the northwest is known for St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge it has vast woodlands, marshes, and swamps. It is probably the best site for wintering waterfowl species.
Generally, all year is good for birding in Florida, but November through May is the best because of the greatest variety of species can be observed.
Practical info
Where is the largest colony of wood storks in Florida located?
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, located in western Florida, is renowned for having the largest colony of wood storks. This area is home to over 1200 pairs of wood storks, along with other bird species such as herons, egrets, barrowed owls, and pileated woodpeckers. Visitors can explore the sanctuary through its boardwalk system, which offers a comfortable way to experience the area. Show more
What is the main purpose of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail?
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a premier network of wildlife viewing sites in Florida. With a total of 510 sites, the trail is home to abundant species of birds such as shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and so on. It features major birding sites throughout the state, and it provides a great way to experience a variety of bird species in one trip. Show more
Which time of the year is the ideal time to visit Florida for birdwatching?
The best time to visit Florida for birdwatching is from November through May. This prime season is when birders can observe the highest variety of species. Visitors, during these months, can expect to see a variety of bird species, including shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and migratory land birds. Many birding sites in Florida become hotspots for birding and wildlife viewing during the fall and winter months. Show more
What are some of the best birdwatching areas around Tallahassee?
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is situated near Tallahassee and is the ideal location for wintering waterfowl species. This vast area has woodlands, marshes, and swamps, and visitors can observe a variety of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl species during the winter months. Additionally, the refuge also houses many other bird species such as wading birds, shorebirds, and raptors. Show more
What variety of bird species can I observe at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge?
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a top birding site in Florida, with over 330 bird species. Visitors can see various bird species such as American Avocet, “Dancing” Reddish Egrets, Sora, Northern Pintail, and others. The refuge also has additional attractions, such as the 7-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive and the manatee observation deck at Haulover Canal. There are several hiking trails and observation platforms throughout the park as well. Show more
