TOP 30 Birdwatching sightings in Florida

Chipola River Wildlife Management Area is a picturesque and serene park located in Marianna, Florida, United States. This institution is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the local wildlife and natural habitats. Visitors can explore the area and observe a variety of plant and animal species in their natural environment. The park offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. With its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, Chipola River Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.

Located in Homosassa, Florida, the Chassahowitzka Hotel offers a charming and historic lodging experience. Dating back over a century, this B 'n B provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Choose from a single room, a suite, or book the entire hotel for your stay. Sit back and relax on the verandah or in the leather lounge, taking in the Old Florida charm. With 620 feet of riverfront, guests can enjoy fishing, swimming, snorkeling, scalloping, and kayaking right from the hotel. Take a tour of the Chassahowitzka River to spot manatees, tropical forests, and colorful birds. Nearby attractions include Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Southern Woods Golf Club, Monkey Island, and NJoy Distillery. Whether you're looking for a couples getaway, a family vacation, a golf tour, or a fishing package, the Chassahowitzka Hotel can accommodate groups of up to 18 people.

Sholom Park is a serene and picturesque oasis nestled in Ocala, Florida. This stunning park covers 44 acres of lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and winding walking paths that invite visitors to relax and rejuvenate in the beauty of nature. With its meticulously manicured gardens, peaceful meditation areas, and charming bridges, Sholom Park is a popular tourist attraction for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, Sholom Park is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with the natural world.

Tall Cypress Natural Area is a tranquil park located at 3700 Turtle Run Boulevard in Coral Springs, Florida. This beautiful natural area boasts tall cypress trees, lush vegetation, and serene waterways, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a leisurely stroll along the winding trails, enjoy a picnic in the shade, or simply relax and soak in the sights and sounds of nature. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Tall Cypress Natural Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enjoyment in South Florida.

San Felasco Park, located at 6400 Northwest 43rd Way in Gainesville, Florida, is a stunning forested oasis at the city's northwestern edge. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sounds of birdsong, the smell of pine trees, and the sight of colorful wildflowers as they wander through the park's hiking trails and boardwalks that wind through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. Families can enjoy a playground, picnic shelters, and multiple grills, making it the perfect spot for a day outdoors together. The park also serves as a conservation area, with ongoing restoration activities on the north end. The City of Gainesville is dedicated to managing the natural area to benefit native plants and animals, including using prescribed fires to maintain the ecosystem. Visitors interested in learning more about prescribed fires can visit whyprescribedfire.org.

Punta Gorda Nature Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 1555 Aqui Esta Drive in Punta Gorda, Florida. This beautiful nature park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a peaceful escape into the natural beauty of the area. With lush greenery, winding trails, and an abundance of wildlife, the park provides a perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families looking to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the sights and sounds of nature, Punta Gorda Nature Park is the perfect place to unwind and connect with the beauty of the surrounding environment.

Stoneybrook Nature Trail is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 4192-4204 Central Sarasota Parkway in Sarasota, Florida. This serene oasis offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush greenery, tranquil water features, and a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply taking in the beauty of the great outdoors, Stoneybrook Nature Trail is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and experience the peaceful ambiance and stunning scenery that make this trail a must-visit destination in Sarasota.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is a stunning natural oasis located at 12301 Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda, Florida. This expansive park spans over 45,387 acres and is home to more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline along Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte and Lee counties. As the third largest Florida State Park, it offers a diverse range of natural habitats including mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats, and pine flatwoods. Visitors to Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife observation. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot wading birds, manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife along the shallow waters fringed by mangroves.

Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 6265 Keri Road in Felda, Florida, United States. This expansive state forest offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, cypress swamps, and pine flatwoods. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, alligators, and deer, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife viewing in this peaceful and scenic natural setting. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the great outdoors.

The Shark Valley Observation Tower is a must-visit tourist attraction located in the heart of the Everglades National Park in Miami, Florida. As you make your way up the tower, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands, home to a diverse range of wildlife including alligators, wading birds, and of course, sharks. The tower offers a unique perspective on the beauty and vastness of the Everglades, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars for a truly unforgettable experience!

Nine Mile Pond Trail is a popular attraction located within Everglades National Park in Homestead, Florida. This park is America's largest subtropical wilderness and is home to rare and endangered species such as the manatee, American crocodile, and Florida panther. As a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the park is a treasure for nature lovers and conservationists alike. Visitors to Nine Mile Pond Trail can enjoy a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, including easy walks, evening talks, hikes, and paddling tours. The park also offers a free boater education course to educate visitors about the unique features of the park's marine waters.

Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located in Islamorada, Florida. Situated along the stunning Overseas Highway, this nature preserve is a popular tourist attraction for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Florida Keys. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including the namesake green turtles, as well as lush vegetation and peaceful walking trails. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the hammock, take in the sights and sounds of nature, and unwind in this tranquil oasis. Whether you're a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out.

Pine Glades Natural Area, located at 14122 West Indiantown Road in Jupiter, Florida, is a stunning park and tourist attraction known for being the best place to view the sunset in Palm Beach County. Spanning 6,651 acres, this wetland wonderland is a haven for colorful wading birds such as the roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, little blue heron, and white ibis. Visitors can enjoy capturing images of these beautiful birds in their natural habitat or bring a kayak or canoe to explore the wetlands up close. Pine Glades Natural Area offers a peaceful and picturesque escape into nature for all who visit.

Fort Pickens Thin Sandbar Sector is a stunning section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, located on the beautiful Pensacola Beach in Florida, United States. This park offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area, with its thin sandbar stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico. The historic Fort Pickens is also located within the park, providing a glimpse into the region's military history. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching in this peaceful and scenic setting. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach or learn about the area's past, Fort Pickens Thin Sandbar Sector is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Saint George Island State Campground, located at 1900 East Gulf Beach Drive in Saint George Island, Florida, is part of the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. Situated on a barrier island along Apalachicola Bay, this campground offers visitors a slice of paradise with miles of undeveloped beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water activities like canoeing and kayaking. The park is a popular destination for beach lovers, bird watchers, and anglers, with stunning Gulf of Mexico sunsets and excellent stargazing opportunities. On the gulf side of the island, visitors can enjoy pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches, while the bay side is home to healthy marshes teeming with wildlife.

Hagens Cove Park in Perry, Florida is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers. This park offers stunning views of the pine islands, natural beaches, and shallow bays of the Gulf of Mexico. During low tide, visitors can explore the mud flats that are home to a variety of shorebirds and wading birds. The observation tower provides a bird's eye view of the surrounding area, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of the landscape. This park is a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the sights and sounds of the Gulf coast. Funding for this park is provided by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Be sure to check out our blog post on Wade For Bay Scallops at Taylor County's Hagens Cove Park for more information on this unique and beautiful destination.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, located at 13201 San Felasco Parkway in Alachua, Florida, is a stunning natural oasis offering a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. With a diverse range of flora and fauna, including champion trees and a variety of wildlife such as bobcats, deer, foxes, and turkeys, the park provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Florida's natural environment. Hikers, off-road cyclists, horseback riders, and nature enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. The park's varied terrain, limestone outcrops, and 18 natural communities offer a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Newnans Lake Conservation Area, located at 8635 Northeast 69th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that is part of a larger group of publicly owned conservation lands in the Orange Creek Basin. This area includes Austin Cary Memorial State Forest, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area, Orange Creek Restoration Area, and other natural areas owned by the city of Gainesville. These lands protect a variety of upland and wetland natural communities, serving as important wildlife corridors and contributing to the protection and improvement of water quality in the Orange Creek and Ocklawaha River basins, and ultimately the St. Johns River. Newnans Lake Conservation Area features nearly 2 miles of shoreline along Newnans Lake, as well as parts of its major tributaries, Hatchet Creek and Little Hatchet Creek. The area includes a variety of wetlands, such as depression marshes, dome swamps, and the locally known Gum Root Swamp. Visitors can explore the property and enjoy the meandering creeks, as well as spot bald eagle nests and tall pine trees on the Hatchet Creek Tract.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 6641 County Road 52 in Hudson, Florida, United States. Visitors can explore the tangled mangroves, tidal creeks, and expansive salt marshes by paddling through the waterways or hiking the Springs Trail. The park offers kayak and canoe rentals through Salty Dog Kayak Rentals, open Thursday through Sunday. Birdwatchers will enjoy the park's diverse bird population, including bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, and migratory songbirds. While there is no swimming area within the park, visitors can access nearby Durney Key for swimming by launching their kayak or canoe. Admission is $2 for bicycles or pedestrians and $4 for vehicles with up to eight people. Come immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park.

Visit Rainbow Springs is a picturesque nature park located in Dunnellon, Florida. Nestled at 19158 Southwest 81st Place Road, this institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore stunning natural landscapes, crystal-clear springs, and lush greenery. With activities such as swimming, kayaking, and hiking, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. The park also features a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and turtles, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or an adventurous outdoor experience, Visit Rainbow Springs has something for everyone.

Flying Eagle Wildlife Management Area is a stunning park located at 11080 East Moccasin Slough Road in Inverness, Florida. This wildlife management area is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and observe a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitat. From birdwatching to hiking trails, this park offers a unique and educational experience for all ages. With its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, Flying Eagle Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Colt Creek State Park, located at 16000 State Route 471 in Lakeland, Florida, is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers. Spanning over 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat, the park offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse natural communities and wildlife. The park features large strands of longleaf pine flatwoods, serene lakes, winding creeks, cypress domes, and open vistas. Visitors can spot a variety of plant and animal species, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, and numerous birds and butterflies. The park is also home to threatened species such as the gopher tortoise and the Sherman’s fox squirrel.

Hidden Water Preserve is a serene park located at 1600-1898 Country Club Road in Eustis, Florida. This beautiful institution offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature, featuring lush greenery, walking trails, and hidden waterways waiting to be explored. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the preserve while taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or a quiet spot to reflect, Hidden Water Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is a serene and picturesque park located in De Leon Springs, Florida, United States. This refuge is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, alligators, and turtles. Visitors can explore the lush landscape through hiking trails, observation decks, and wildlife viewing areas. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

Katie's Landing at Wekiva River is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 262 Wekiva Park Drive in Sanford, Florida, United States. Due to the construction of the Wekiva Parkway, the State Road 46 entrance to the Lower Wekiva River Preserve is currently closed, but visitors can still access the hiking trails at Katie's Landing. This institution offers a serene natural setting along 4 miles of the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek, where visitors can observe a variety of wildlife such as black bears, river otters, alligators, wood storks, and sandhill cranes. The Sand Hill Nature Trail provides a self-guided tour of native Florida plants and wildlife, while canoeists can enjoy paddling along the Wekiva River. Equestrian camping is also available in designated areas, with horse stalls and corrals provided for campers. For additional biking and hiking trails, visitors can explore the Wekiwa Springs State Park – Markham Woods Trailhead. Come and experience the beauty of Central Florida nature at Katie's Landing at Wekiva River.

Crane Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 37655 Florida 70 in Myakka City, Florida, United States. This beautiful park is the perfect place to relax and unwind, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil ponds. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the winding pathways, take in the sights and sounds of nature, or have a picnic with loved ones. Crane Park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with a variety of bird species, including majestic cranes, often spotted in the area. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a fun day out with family and friends, Crane Park is a must-visit destination in Myakka City.

Fishhawk Creek is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 5860 Fishhawk Ridge Drive in Lithia, Florida, United States. This beautiful natural area is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the outdoors and enjoy the serene surroundings of the creek. With its lush greenery, peaceful waterways, and diverse wildlife, Fishhawk Creek offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, go for a leisurely stroll, or simply take in the sights and sounds of nature, Fishhawk Creek is the perfect place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

St. Johns River Eco Tours offers a unique and educational experience for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the St. Johns River in DeBary, Florida. Located at 488 West Highbanks Road, this tourist attraction provides guided tours that showcase the diverse ecosystem of the area, including wildlife sightings and stunning scenery. Visitors can expect to learn about the history and conservation efforts of the river while enjoying a relaxing and informative boat tour. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, St. Johns River Eco Tours is the perfect destination for a memorable outdoor adventure.

Located in Sarasota, Florida, the Myakka River State Park Main Entrance is the gateway to one of Florida's oldest and largest parks. The park is home to the majestic Myakka River, a designated wild and scenic river that winds through 58 square miles of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and biking. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with the cries of limpkins and osprey filling the air.

Telegraph Creek Preserve is a part of the Conservation 20/20 land acquisition and stewardship program in Lee County, Florida. Located at 16451 North River Road in Alva, this park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. With 30,000 acres of conservation land protected in Lee County, the preserve offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of the region. Established in 1996 and reaffirmed by voters in 2016, Conservation 20/20 is dedicated to preserving natural areas for the benefit of present and future generations. The program is overseen by the Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC), which holds open meetings for the public to attend. Visitors can learn more about recent projects and initiatives through annual and quarterly reports available on the Conservation 20/20 website.