In case you haven't heard, Central Florida is an amazing place for birdwatching enthusiasts. There are lots of beautiful, serene state parks, wildlife preserves, expansive lakes, and other destinations where birders can see so many diverse species year round. There are also plenty of fun and informative organized events all around Central Florida and the rest of the state where birders can get together and enjoy some of nature's fabulous displays.
Here are three recommended upcoming Florida birding events:
Sunset at the Rookery – February 13, 2016 – Eustis, FL
Every day around sunset, hundreds of birds settle in to roost at the Trout Lake rookery. Come from 4:30 to 7:30 pm to observe the awe-inspiring phenomenon. You'll see double-crested cormorants, anhingas, wood ducks and other waterfowl, great egrets, snowy egrets, great blue herons, and more.
16th Annual Orlando Wetlands Festival – February 20, 2016 – Christmas, FL
Head to Fort Christmas Historical Park from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for this free event. Explore this fascinating wetlands habitat with guided birdwatching tours and photo hikes, bus tours, wildlife shows, live music, and other fun (including for the grandkids).
Big O Birding Festival – March 9 to 14, 2016 – Hendry County, FL
This festival celebrates bird life living around and migrating to South Central Florida's Lake Okeechobee area. Guided birding tours take place on foot, by bike, and on swamp buggies and boats. Also, workshops, vendors and other activities are held at the festival headquarters in LaBelle, FL.
