While Florida is well-known for its world-class theme parks and beautiful beaches, it may come as a surprise that the Sunshine State is also a prime birding destination. Florida boasts a variety of natural habitats, from pine forests to grasslands to wetlands, and each habitat is home to a diverse array of avian species. Florida is also the only state in the United States where you can find several species, such as Limpkins, Everglades Snail Kites, and Florida Scrub Jays. If you are like us and love exploring natural Florida and spotting wildlife, especially of the feathered variety, read on to discover some amazing birding spots in Florida!
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NORTH FLORIDA
ST. MARKS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Just south of Tallahassee is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, one of the first established refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. One of the refuge’s missions is to rescue and protect endangered species. The many salt marshes, forests, and tidal flats are home to 271 species of birds, including both resident and seasonal species. Some birds you can find here include Ospreys, Wood Storks, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Swallow-tailed Kites, and Bald Eagles. In addition, you can also view many other animals here, including alligators, deer, manatees, and a variety of different butterflies.
The plethora of wildlife viewing opportunities makes St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge an ideal location for nature photography, but it also provides other recreational activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as many educational programs. At the end of Lighthouse Road you can also view the historic St. Marks Lighthouse, although it is not open for climbing.
PAYNES PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK
Located in Micanopy, Florida, just outside of Gainesville, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Florida. Considered a “wet prairie,” Paynes Prairie consists of both uplands and wetlands and provides habitats to a vast number of species, including around 300 different species of birds, one of the most diverse communities of birds in the state.
This park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and has many trails and observation platforms from which you can observe birds and other wildlife. Some birds you can find here include Great Blue Herons, Limpkins, Bald Eagles, and Painted Buntings, and seasonal visitors such as Sandhill Cranes. Other animals you can spot include wild horses, bison, and alligators. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is one of our favorite state parks in Florida, and we highly recommend paying a visit if you are in the Gainesville area. For a more in-depth guide to this state park, check out our Paynes Prairie article here.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Located only half an hour from Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect spot to experience wild Florida if you are visiting the Space Coast. Consisting of coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, and hardwood hammocks, this refuge was established to help conserve migratory birds and is now home to over 300 avian species. Some birds you can find here include Snowy Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, Pelicans, and Florida Scrub Jays.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge also has a Visitor’s Center, ranger-led guided tours, and many trails where you can spot other wildlife including alligators, manatees, and dolphins. You can also view rocket launches from within the refuge.
ORLANDO WETLANDS PARK
Located in Christmas, Florida, about twenty minutes from east Orlando and thirty minutes from Kennedy Space Center, Orlando Wetlands is not just a park – it is a unique man-made ecosystem and wildlife sanctuary that plays a vital role in water reclamation. This 1200 acre wetlands ecosystem treats up to 35 million gallons of water a day and is home to numerous animals, including over 220 bird species. Some birds you may spot here include Purple Gallinules, Anhingas, Limpkins, American Coots, and Roseate Spoonbills.
In addition to birds, you may also see alligators, bobcats, otters, and deer. This peaceful park is ideal for hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and nature photography. We always stop here when we are in the area–it is one of Hadassah’s favorite photography locations. For more information to help plan your visit, check out our guide here.
LAKE APOPKA NORTH SHORE
Located in Apopka, Florida, only half an hour from Orlando, Lake Apopka North Shore is a restoration area and nature preserve that is perfect for a multitude of recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and, of course, birding! This area is also known for an eleven-mile wildlife drive through the wetlands where you can see a variety of native animals.
Lake Apopka North Shore is one of the top birding locations for all of Florida with over 150 different species documented, and we were not disappointed when we did the scenic wildlife drive. We saw Anhingas, Blue Herons, Common Gallinules, American Coots, and Ospreys. We also saw an Eastern Ratsnake, turtles, and 48 alligators! Other animals in the area that you may spot include bobcats, otters, armadillos, and coyotes. For an in-depth guide about the area and the wildlife drive, including tips for visiting, check out our Lake Apopka North Shore article here.
SOUTH FLORIDA
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Everglades National Park is truly unlike anywhere else in the world. Its unparalleled biodiversity and varied habitats, such as sawgrass, mangroves, and hardwood hammocks, make it a globally significant natural area. This park is the only place in the world where American Alligators and American Crocodiles co-exist. It also features the largest mangrove system in the Western Hemisphere, and protects numerous threatened and endangered species, such as the Florida Panther, the West Indian Manatee, and the Snail Kite.
Everglades National Park is home to over 360 bird species, making it one of the top birding spots in Florida. Here you can find wading birds such as Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Roseate Spoonbills, raptors such as Bald Eagles, Snail Kites, and Barred Owls, and unique residents like the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow and the Mangrove Cuckoo.
There are many ways to enjoy Everglades National Park, but two of our favorites are taking a Shark Valley Tram Tour or an airboat tour. However you choose to explore, Everglades National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Florida’s history and natural wilderness.
CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY
Located in Naples on the western edge of the Everglades, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the world’s largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest. An old-growth forest means a forest that has never been logged, which makes a trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary truly like stepping back in time. This ancient swamp is filled with giant cypress trees, ferns, swamp lilies, and air plants, and provides a habitat for various animals such as raccoons, otters, squirrels, and a plethora of bird species.
The 2.25 mile boardwalk through the heart of the forest is the best way to spot birds and other wildlife. Some species you may find include Barred Owls, Painted Buntings, Belted Kingfishers, and Limpkins. Remember to be as quiet as possible because noise travels easily in the forest and can scare wildlife away. Also, keep an eye out for the rare ghost orchid, which can only be found in Southwestern Florida. For more tips and to learn about our visit to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, check out our article here.
J.N. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sanibel Island, a barrier island located off the Southwestern Coast of Florida, is known for its pristine, shell-covered beaches and abundant wildlife. It is home to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, whose mission is to protect and conserve Sanibel Island’s wildlife habitats.
At this refuge, you can drive, bike, or hike a four-mile Wildlife Drive; rent kayaks or canoes for mangrove exploration; or take a guided tour. This area is home to more than 245 bird species, including Pelicans, Cormorants, Tri-Colored Herons, and Red-Shoulder Hawks. The best time to spot birds is during the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active, and during low tide when some birds feed on exposed mudflats.
FLORIDA KEYS
The Florida Keys are an archipelago, a chain of islands formed from ancient coral reefs. Stretching about 120 miles, their name is derived from the Spanish word “cayo,” which means “small island.” We love visiting the Keys and try to go at least once a year. Known for their easygoing atmosphere, the Florida Keys offer a variety of activities, from scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing to sampling delectable seafood, enjoying scenic views, and learning about ocean conservation efforts. This archipelago also boasts diverse wildlife, from rare species such as the Key Deer and American Crocodile to abundant bird species.
Birding in the Florida Keys is fantastic, especially during the wintertime. Here you can find unique species such as the Key West Quail Dove, Black-whiskered Vireo, Mangrove Cuckoo, and even the American Flamingo. Some of the top birding hotspots in the Florida Keys are Dry Tortugas National Park, National Key Deer Refuge, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, and Key West National Wildlife Refuge. For more information about birding in the Keys, we recommend checking out Florida Keys Wildlife Society.
TIPS FOR BIRDING IN FLORIDA
Winter offers the best time for birding due to many migratory species visiting the Sunshine State; however, great birding opportunities abound year-round. Whatever time of year you go birding, we recommend going in the early morning or late afternoon, as this is when birds are most active. Remember to be patient and quiet–move slowly and keep voices down to avoid scaring the birds, and always keep a respectful distance and stay on trails.
To have the best chance of catching a clear view, we recommend bringing a good pair of binoculars, as well as a camera or smartphone to capture pictures. Since the Florida sun can be fierce, even in winter, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottled water.
It can also be helpful to research some species you may see before your trip. Good resources include websites such as Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Cornell Lab eBird, and Audubon Florida, as well as books such as Birds of Florida Field Guide and Smithsonian Handbooks: Birds of Florida.
We hope you have found this article about birding spots in Florida helpful! Are there any locations you’ve found good for birding that we didn’t include? Share in the comments below!
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
