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BIRDING... Southwest Florida is a Birders Paradise!
DESTINATION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Southwest Florida is truly a Ecological destination
and has the most to offer in Ecology and Related Activities.
Although, Florida is home to more than 480 species of birds, several hundred species
pass through the area during spring/ fall migrations.
Spring: February through May
Fall: Mid August through November
Winter is the best birding season as the bird population explodes with winged visitors.
It’s advisable to begin your field trip at dawn and head first to a freshwater marsh where rails, bitterns and
other marsh dwellers are most active and vocal. After an hour or so, move to woodlands or a field where most songbirds
are busy singing and searching for food.
From midmorning until late in the afternoon land birds are quiet, while the birds of beaches, lakes and other
marine habitats are active throughout the day. This would be the time to search for herons, cormorants, ducks,
pelicans, sandpipers, spoonbills and more.
Late in the day, land birds start singing and foraging again; a good time to return to the woods and other
inland habitats to find species you may have missed. After dark, visit a forest or wooded swamp to listen for owls.
Pick up a copy of Peterson’s “A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America” as well as
binoculars, a pad and pencil and go forth…You’ll be hooked on the sights and sounds of birding! Or, just access e-nature's Master List of Animals and Plants and click on the location you plan to visit.
Master List
Some popular places to go (see below):
Felts Audubon |
Felts Audubon Preserve - Palmetto
A 30 acre parcel owned and managed by the Manatee County Audubon Society. Footpaths, bird blind and
small pond with open fields attract migratory and nesting birds. Over 100 species have been recorded...See
Bird List
4600 24th Ave E., Palmetto Corner of 24th Avenue E. & Experimental Farm Rd.
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Emerson Point |
Emerson Point Preserve - Palmetto
In addition to excellent birding there are several miles of hiking and biking trails with a 60 foot
tall observation tower and a 20 foot tall Indian Temple Mound site. More than 70 species of birds are reported
annually.
5801 17th Street West, Palmetto Call for Information: 941-721-6885
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Robinson Preserve |
Robinson Preserve - Bradenton
The preserve is not only beneficial to wildlife, the park offers waterways to canoe or kayak with
hiking/biking trails, and boardwalks. There is a 40-foot observation tower with views of the Sunshine Skyway to the
north and Sarasota County to the south.
1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton Call for Info: 941-748-4501 ext. 4602
Editor’s Review
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Rye Preserve |
Rye Preserve - Parrish
Four distinctive ecosystems, sand pine scrub, oak scrub, oak hammocks and the river community. The
endangered Florida Scrub Jay and several species of woodpeckers have been noted in the dry upland portions of the park.
905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish Call for Information: 941-776-0900
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Duette Preserve |
Duette Preserve - Duette
22,000 acres with 16 trails crossing the Manatee river in various locations. Some known species sited
are the Belted Kingfisher, Florida Scrub-Jay Burrowing Owl and Sandhill Cranes.
2649 Rawls Road, Duette Call for Information: 941-776-2295
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Birding information is, in part, provided by the Sarasota, Manatee, & Venice Audubon
Societies.
To purchase their recent publication "Birding Hot Spots", go to:
Sarasota Audubon Society
Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Englewood,
and their fabulous Islands of
Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key,
Lido Key, Siesta Key, Venice & Manasota Key
are the perfect
home base from which to explore other Florida points of interest! |
Click the Links below for our Recommended Accommodations
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A visit to SW Florida can lead to many return
visits & Eventual Relocation |
Real Estate Information
Recommended Restaurants
A Dozen Good Reasons to make the move to SW Florida...
TOP 12 LIST
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