BIRDING

Our wide range of natural habitats provide ideal homes for more than 500 bird species.  The majority of these are present throughout the year, while others join humans as "winter visitors".  Birding is an activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.  It is a popular pastime for many individuals, families, and groups throughout Florida.  People go out into the field and track the birds they see, as well as the ones they hear.  Local, state, and nationwide birding communities like the National Audubon Society, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Wings Over Florida program, and events at Florida State Parks and Trails, offer opportunities to connect with other "birders", share sightings, and discuss areas to prowl.  You can share your photos taken within the boundaries of a Florida State Park, or trai. They can be entered into the Florida State Parks Monthly Photo Contest.  www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/photocontest.  If you wander the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, which is a 2000 mile network of close to 500 sites for watching, viewing, and learning, you will visit 90 of our parks and trails.  Check www.FloridaBirdingTrail.com This site gives information on guide booklets, signs on major roadways to identify sites, and a mobile app for Android or iPhone uses.

See also pages on Wade Tract Birding Hike, Exotic Bird Festival, Whopping Cranes of Southwood,  Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and Vitamin N.