Best Florida Birding Areas
There are many parts of Florida that are great for vacations – from the coastal areas to Orlando with all of the theme parks and more – but what are the best Florida birding areas?
Best Florida Birding Areas
Florida is a good choice for those who want to spend some (or all) of their vacation bird watching. While there are plenty of things to see and do in this state that are less nature related, it is important to remember all the wildlife, birds and vegetation that Florida has to offer. Some of the best Florida birding areas are located around these preserved areas, such as the Wetlands, meaning you will be able to enjoy not only the birds but also the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
There are reported to be 485 species of birds that have been sighted in Florida, with many of them making the state their permanent home. The state bird of Florida is the Northern Mockingbird, and it is a must see for your bird list when visiting here. Florida is divided into several sections for the purpose of birding – including the South, Southwest, East and Panhandle areas. Each of these spots is home to its own mix of bird species, and there are often national or state parks located within these areas that make perfect places for birding.
Some spots within Florida are considered hotspots when it comes to sighting rare or unusual birds. One of these places is Everglades National Park, located in the South region of Florida. This park is known for its wetlands, and many people come here to see alligators and other swamp creatures. There are also quite a few birds that choose this spot for their home, including the Roseate Spoonbill, the Short-tailed Hawk and the Purple Gallinule.
Another place that is considered one of the best Florida birding areas is the Florida Keys. Made popular because of Key West and Ernest Hemingway, these islands are also a good spot for bird watchers. While Jimmy Buffett didn't sing about watching birds here, he might have, because of the great mix of species that can be found on these tiny islands. They include the White-crowned Pigeon, Mangrove Cuckoo and the Gray Kingbird. The airport, located on Key West (the largest of the Florida Keys) is also said to be a good place to spot the Antillean Nighthawk.
Deciding to take a trip to Florida is easy, and so is finding the best Florida birding areas. With a little advance research, you can combine bird watching with any other vacation in the Florida area, and cross a few birds off your life list.