Birdwatching in Florida

Nicknamed the “Sunshine State” Florida is not only attractive to “Snowbirds” from the northern part of North America, but also to many migrating birds over wintering here.
With 485 recorded species including one endemic (Florida Scrub-Jay) there is plenty to keep a visiting birdwatcher busy. Combined with the many local Birdingpals willing to help a visitor, your visit is bound to be memorable from a birding point of view.
A 2000 mile trail designed to conserve and enhance Florida’s wildlife habitat is being developed, making it easy for a birder to locate birds like Roseate Spoonbills, Snail Kites, Mangrove Cuckoos, Florida Scrub-Jays, Black-whiskered Vireos to name a few, but also the many established exotics Florida is known for.
The Habitats of the Panhandle, the Peninsula, the Keys and not to forget the Dry Tortugas islands make Florida a birders paradise.

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Local Birdingpal Contacts
Local Birdwatchers
Using the Birdingpal resources you must agree to the following: If you contact a local Birdingpal and make arrangement to go birding, you should note it is common courtesy to make sure you show up for the appointment. If for any reason you are unable to do this, the least you must do is contacting the local Pal right away.
Please note that most Birdingpals are serious birdwatchers. It is a privilege to contact them, and your message should reflect it. A local Pal does not get paid, but should he/she offer to take you out birding, using their own vehicle, it would be courteous to pay for the fuel. A lunch and/or a small gift would also be appropriate, something as simple as a souvenir of your country, or a pin from your local birding club.

Shortcuts to Local Pals in major cities:
Fort Lauderdale Marco Island Miami Orlando Tallahassee Tampa Professional Guides

Initial Last Name Area Available Language
J Schwarz Boca Raton(Winter only) Anytime English/German
I bird all of Palm Beach Co.(Loxahatchee, Wakodahatchee, Green Cay), Broward County (Fort Lauderdale), and down to Miami/Dade Co. Also my photos are on www.birdspix.com.
V Brauer Lake Worth/Boynton Beach Anytime English
Audubon member with photography interests.
C Oshaben Bradenton Anytime
M Gardler Brooksville Anytime English
I lead 2-4 three day trips a year for Larry Manfredi Birding Tours to the Dry Tortugas in the spring. I am the sole guide responsible for up to 11 people from all over the world but mainly the USA. I am a leader for many of the pelagic trips out of the east coast of FL. I, over the last year in FL, have given 3 Powerpoint presentations on shorebird identification (basic plumage birds). I volunteer (6 years) on a Red-cockaded Woodpecker monitoring project of a cluster to track health and sexing of the birds. This is a yearlong project. I have guided in FL, TX, AZ and AK for pay. I guide in Fl for the joy (gratis) as a return on all who have helped me over the years, especially the teacher who lit my fire and joy. I do 3-4 Xmas counts per year. I currently take 2 people from FL to SE AZ, on an unpaid basis, where we split expenses one of whom is a Birdingpal going this year. 4 of last 5 years I have done this and have several who want to go next year.
B Saltonstall Cape Coral Anytime English
Cape Coral is home to the largest population of the Florida species of the Burrowing Owl in Florida. If you are interested in viewing these beautiful birds, I can almost guarantee you will see one.
L Sumerson Clearwater Anytime English
Pinellas Co. and its surrounding counties is one of the best birding areas in Florida.
L Hartzlr Clearwater/Tampa/Lutz Anytime English/French
S Wise Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island(Winter only) Anytime
A Sissman Coral Springs Anytime
K Gleason Coral Springs Anytime
L Burns Crawfordville Anytime English
I live south of Tallahassee Florida. The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is at my doorstep. We have seen bears, bobcats, raccoons, wild pigs etc. But the birds are fabulous. I am an amateur photographer and can spend all day out there. Also, we kayak a lot so we see birds you normally do not see on some trails.
R Peterson Deltona(Winter only) Anytime Spanish/English
D Russell Fort Lauderdale Anytime
J Padilla Fort Myers Anytime
R Rowan Gainesville Anytime English
J Stephens Gainesville Anytime English
I live outside of Gainesville, Florida. Within easy driving distance from me are a number of National Wildlife Refuges, Paynes Prairie (a State preserve), The Suwannee River and other spots that are not refuges and/or parks but which are locally known as great birding areas.
S Flamand Gainesville Anytime English
L Kroll Gainesville Anytime English
Retired State of Florida employee. Have been bird watching for more than 15 years. This area has excellent bird watching in Paynes Prairie, especially in winter. There are many nature parks nearby. The Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts are only 1.5 hours away.
R Lewis Homosassa Anytime English
Crystal River, on Florida's west central coast, is a manatee sanctuary, but boasts great birding areas as well. Tamapa International Airport is 60 miles south. Typically I provide a guided tour by boat for 2 hours at a cost of $30 per person.
P Johnson Jacksonville Weekend English
I live in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville, FL. This is on the southeast side of Jacksonville and within about a 30-40 minute drive of both the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (46,000 acres) to the north and the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTMNERR) National Estuarine Research Reserve to the south. I am also active with the Duval Audubon Society, which conducts numerous weekend field trips from September through May. Other good field trips are usually available with Alachua, St Johns and Flagler Audubon Chapters, all within approximately 1-3 hours drive time (one way) to birding sites in northeast/northcentral.
J Welch Kissimmee Anytime English
I live is Osceola county Florida. I am an eagle watch volunteer and do education for Kissimmee Audubon Society. We have the densest concentration of nesting Bald Eagles in Florida. Lake Tohopekaliga is home to the endangered Snail Kite. Nearby Gatorland has an amazing breeding marsh where hundreds of birds nest Jan. through July. The Disney Wilderness Preserve has Florida Scrub-Jays, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and nesting Woodstorks. Painted Buntings, Swallow-tailed Kites, ducks, and others all migrate through our area.
S Hetrick Kissimmee Anytime English
I'm a 29 year old wildlife biologist and love to share my beautiful bird-rich area with others. I live right on Lake Toho which has the highest concentations of nesting endangered Snail Kites in the US. We also have the highest nesting concentrations of Bald Eagles. Whooping Cranes are also nearby. There's a rookery/roost island behind my house where you can see 1000s of great blue herons, great egrets, double-crested cormorants, anhinga, limpkin, turkey and black vulture, osprey, etc. Feel free to contact me!
R Morris Lakeland Weekend English
Lakeland is 1.5 hour drive from either coast. Polk county is one of the largest counties in Florida and has a checklist of over 300 species. Some of the Florida specialities found in Polk county are Limpkin, Snail Kite, Purple Gallinule, Short-tailed Hawk, Crested Caracara and Burrowing Owl. Saddle Creek Park is also here in Lakeland, which be a wonderful fall warbler spot with as many as 22 species found in a single day.
L Naismith Lakewood Ranch Anytime English
Our general area of Florida as well as the state is known for attracting birders from all areas. I have only just become interested in the last 6 months and spend allot of time on walks and photographing birds.
S LaGrotta Marco Island Anytime English
Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is part of the South Florida Birding Trail. The beach is part of the County Park system, with a natural lagoon, and short walk to the Marco river or the Gulf of Mexico. The crescent beach is one of seven in the world. Mangrove forest, mud flats and sea grass supports a number of different species. Considered one of the best birding sites in Southwest Florida. Some of the birds you may find, Wilson's, Piping and Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, Roseate Spoonbills, Red Knots, Osprey, Falcons, Bald Eagles and Pelicans.
W Arpt Melbourne Anytime English
I am seventy nine years old retired aerospace quality assurance specialist. (aerospace). I worked thirty three years for the us air force auditing contractor quality assurance programs and the operational condition of equipment and facilities assigned to them. Worked the the heavy lift titan heavy missile. Traveled to several foriegn countries. Japan, Okinawa, South Africa, The Congo, Surinam and England. Hobies include birding photography (ameture), fishing and flying. Spent two weeks in Alaska in search of good Puffin photos. No luck due to the weather.
L Monges Miami Anytime English/French
I bird Everglades National Park & Atlantic Coast.
E Breaux North Miami Anytime English
I am a professional wildlife photographer and outdoorsman, 40 years now. I take people on private Guided Wildlife and Birding Photo Tours into the Everglades in Florida. Birding here is exceptional, as many species winter in the relative warmth of the South Florida wilds. Owing to both an abundance of wildlife and comfortable conditions, the dry season, December through April, is the best time in the Everglades. This is a full day’s trip starting early in the morning. You will be hiking down wilderness trails teaming with wildlife and many birds.
On my Photo Website you will see images of some of the wildlife and birds you may see on the trip.
http://www.eugenebreaux.com/index.cfm?mid=1812&action=gallery&Gallery=39129
I do not charge my fee to BirdingPals members; you will have so many good sightings and a very safe and enjoyable time. You will like my informative but fun, pleasant and upbeat personality. You pay all expenses from Miami and back, car rental, gas, tolls, entrance fees, meals, etc.
If you would like me to guide you into the Everglades for a day you are most welcome. Please contact me and I will let you know availability and send you a complete itinerary of the day’s tour.
P McCrea South Miami Weekend English
some French
I'm a true backyard birder since my suburban backyard, which is on a canal/lake, is a great place to watch migratory birds: warblers, raptors, water birds, etc. We have a local population of white crowned pigeons. Added attractions include huge iguanas, feral macaws, amazon parrots, monk parakeets and mynahs, the odd gator and even a large, but very shy, American croc. Can't guarantee that any will appear on a given day, though.
C Retey Ocala Anytime
G OKeefe Ocala Anytime English
some Spanish
I've been birding since I was eight years old. I just moved into this area but have found some really good birding sites.
G Quigley Minneola/Orlando Weekend English
I am a Lake County Park Ranger & Biologist, Field Trip Chair for Orange Audubon, Lake County's eBird Coordiantor, and I have been birding for 20 years (since age 14), 5 of those here in Florida. I am available usually Sunday-Monday-Tuesday. I bird the local hotspots like Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Viera Wetlands, Orlando Wetlands Park, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, and many other good birding locations with in an hour of Orlando. I only ask that anyone I take out helps pay for fuel. Birds in the area include: Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, Florida Scrub Jay, Brown-Headed Nuthatch, & Bachman's Sparrow. Depending on time of year I average 85-100 species in a day. March-May and Sept.-Oct. are peak migration times and January is best for over winter birds. If you email me I promise I'll respond within 2 days, usually 24 hours. When contacting via email please provide 2 email addresses in your inquiry in case one should not allow me to respond for whatever reason.
P Baker Pensacola Anytime
E Reed Plant City Anytime
M Dodge Port St. Lucie Anytime English
some Spanish
Often traveling. Web site http://jackmaryetc.com
A Banks Rotonda West Anytime English
Excellent birding opportunities in the SW coastal area of Florida. Summer is not the best time but there are interesting resident birds here.
J Dubi Sarasota Anytime
R Carroll St. Cloud Anytime English
Me and my wife really enjoy birding, we are in our early forties and my wife is a photographer as well. We live in Central Florida, Orlando is just 20 minutes from us. We really like to pursue birds of prey. Bald Eagles, Hawks, Osprey, Cara Cara and even owls. But, will stop to view all species of birds and wildlife to.
R Fishel Stuart Anytime English
Shore birds and wetlands of South Florida. We can house two couples at a time. A can go with folks to the Everglades.
P Davenport Sun City Center(Winter only) Anytime
N Wienders Tallahassee Anytime
P Muddu Tallahassee Anytime
B Henderson Tallahassee Anytime English
T Smith Tallahassee Anytime English
St. Marks N.W.R. I am a rank amateur but am very familiar with the area.
S Phillips Tallahassee Weekend English
Birder, kayaker and photographer. Knowledgeable of most north Florida rivers, St. Marks national wildlife refuge. Also bird and have home in Mary Esther, Florida near Ft. Pickens.
R Kruetzman The Villages/Ocala (Winter) Anytime
G Jackson The Villages/Ocala (Winter) Anytime
M MacDonald Tampa Bay Anytime English
If I'm not available, I might be able to network to someone who is.
C Beaton Tampa/Sarasota Anytime
A Brayton Titusville Anytime English
Fourty years of birding experience. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is only twelve miles from my house. Many other good birding spots near me.
R Oren Venice (Winter) Anytime English
We are volunteer bird guides in Lehigh Valley, Pa from May to November and in Venice, Florida from November to April
L Eskey Vero Beach Anytime English
Many species, water birds, Cara Cara, etc, many migrate thru; Scrub Blue Jay, I think is endemic. Wife and I are retired...Pelican Island Reserve nearby.
B Uscher Weston Anytime
C Geanangel Winter Haven Anytime English
B Zeller Zephyrhills Anytime English

Professional Guides
If you contact a professional Birdingpal guide you must be prepared to pay a fee for guiding services.

Initial Last Name Area Available Language
R Greenspun Sarasota Anytime English
I have lived and birded the west coast of Florida for the past 32 years and have traveled extensively throughout the whole state. My primary focus is the west coast of Florida from Tampa Bay South to Ft. Myers Fl. Whether a beginner or an expert birder, whether target birding or out for an leisurely day of birding, Sarasota Birding Guide has the experience to find birds no matter what time of year you decide to come.
Visit my web site
Fees: 15 dollars per hour (U.S) for two people. 25 dollars per trip for each additional person. 10 dollar surcharge for fuel (1/2 day trip). 20 dollar surcharge for fuel(full day trip). 4 hour minimum. Reimbursement for all expenses for out of town or overnight trips. All proceeds after operating expenses are donated to the local chapter of the Audubon Society.
M Hernandez Miami Anytime English/Spanish
Miguel Hernandez is a naturalist, explorer and photographer with over 20 years of experience. He strives to convey the urgent need to preserve our planet, where all of us have a stake, but especially future generations. He has been a teacher, expedition leader and avid outdoor enthusiast who is just as comfortable riding waves on his tiny windsurfer as he is hiking high in the Andes. He has led many expeditions to Latin America’s natural wonders and cultural sites for individuals, tour operators and film companies. He has participated in archaeological expeditions high in the Andes as well as deep underwater on the button of the Chesapeake Bay, US. He holds BA and MA degrees from Florida International University (Miami) and has published articles in English and Spanish for magazines and newspaper.
Miguel Hernandez es naturalista, explorador y fotógrafo con mas de 20 años de experiencia. Lucha por comunicar la necesidad urgente de preservar nuestro planeta tierra, donde todos tenemos que ver, sobretodo las generaciones venideras. Ha sido profesor, líder de expedición y practicante de deportes extremos. Lo mismo se le puede ver escalando una montaña andina que surfiando una ola en su tabla-vela. Ha trabajado para compañías fílmicas y como guía de expediciones a las maravillas naturales y culturales de America Latina. Es graduado de la Florida International University (Miami) con títulos de licenciatura y maestría, y ha publicado artículos en ingles y español para revistas y periódico.
Visit our web site
B Sanders Orlando Anytime English
I specialize in birding destinations in the Central Florida area including but not limited to places like: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Apopka Restoration Area, Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, Smyrna Dunes Park and Ponce Inlet, Viera Wetlands, etc.
Born and raised in New Jersey, I've been an avid birder for virtually my entire life. Although I tend to specialize in raptors I have seen and can ID most species that occur regularly in Eastern North America.
I am or have been involved in the following organizations, activties:
Chimney Rick Hawk Watch, Martinsville, NJ.
Orange Audubon Society (former director and special field trip leader).
Watershed Action Volunteer, St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, FL.
Elderhostel at Deerhaven - Birding Instructor.
Fees: Basic charge of $100.00 per day plus expenses - fuel, tolls, entry fees. $50.00 per day per additional persons.
Prices are subject to change, are negotiable and flexible.
References are available.
T Frankford Sarasota Anytime English
Captain Terry Frankford has been exploring and fishing the local area waters for over thirty years. He is a licensed and insuredU.S.C.G. Captain. Capt. Terry is an amateur photographer and enjoys the abundant wildlife our area has to offer. However his experience at locating great photo opportunities comes not only from personal experience. Capt. Terry has chartered professional photographers and instructors with students aboard. This has given him first hand knowledge to put photographers from amateur to professional in the right place at the right time.
Rates are for the boat - not by the person - six person limit
A $100. deposit will confirm your reservation
Sorry - no credit cards
NATURE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS:
Eight hour day - $325. Six hour day - $275. Four hour day - $200. Two hour day - $150.
PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION: Two hour day - $275. Four hour day - $350. This includes instructor and boat - rates can be adjusted if you want the instructor for two hours and still want the boat for additional time.
Visit my web site
E Whorton Steinhatchee Anytime English
Wonderful birding in Florida's Big Bend Wildlife Areas. Suwannee River, Steinhatchee River and Horseshoe Beach. I can provide residential inn accommodations in fully furnished apartments in the Heron House Guest Inn. I am a licensed charter captain and can provide boat transportation to remote shore locations and barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico.
D Margeson St. Petersburg Anytime English
My wife Lorraine and I are amongst the best known birders, amateur photographers, conservationists and birding trip leaders in the state of Florida. I am the coordinator of the St. Petersburg Christmas Bird Count and the Complier of the spring and fall North American Migratory Bird Counts in Pinellas County. We are available for birding trips ranging from a half day to 4 days covering all local hotspots or extended tours of surrounding areas as requested. We also specialize in guiding amateur or professional photographers eager to attain the perfect shot of that rare or difficult to access species.

Local Information
Name Description
Florida Ornithological Society Club
Audubon Florida Society Club
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society Club
Orange Audubon Society Club
Halifax RiverR Audubon Club
Alachua Audubon Society Club
Tropical Audubon Society Club
Naples Birding Club
Sarasota Audubon Society Club
West Volusia Audubon Society Club
Lake Region Audubon Society Club
St. Lucie Audubon Society Club
Clearwater Audbubon Society Club
Caloosa Bird Club, Fort Myers Club
SRQ (Sarasota & Manatee Counties rare bird alerts) RBA
South of Sarasota County rare bird alerts) RBA
J. N. "Ding" Darling Foundation Sites
The Great Florida Birding Trail (GFBT) Sites
Chuck Geanangel's Polk County
Birding Hotspots around the world Sites
Space Coast Festival
Cindy Novlin's Photos
John Schwarz's Photos
Florida Breeding Birds Atlas
NABA Atala Chapter Butterflies
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Florida
Local weather Yahoo
Electronic maps Google
Find lowest prices for field guides, books, maps etc.
Field guides recommended by Birdingpals
Printable bird check list
Trip Reports from Florida

Last update 29/07/2010