13 replies to this topic

[Trent9997]

My family and I may be going on a trip to Orlando next year, and I would like to know any good birding spots. Since we're visiting the parks there, we can't go far from Orlando. I would really like to see Burrowing Owls if possible. Can anyone help me?

 

 Thanks in advance.

[Paruula]

I've been to Florida twice, but neither of the trips involved much birding. I did manage to convince my family to visit Merritt Island both times, which was great. I remember seeing a huge number of species and having some spectacular views.

Though I never went myself, I have heard great things about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Wish I could help more, but that's all I have!

[Trent9997]

Thanks!

[hbvol]

Hoping to make it to Corkscrew Swamp in Jan.  I can recommend Ding Darling NWR on Sanibel Island not far from Corkscrew; roeseate spoonbills, ibis, egrets, osprey, bald eagles.  Several tern species on the Sanibel beaches as well as lots of peeps.

[birdbrain22]

Trent9997:

My family and I may be going on a trip to Orlando next year, and I would like to know any good birding spots. Since we're visiting the parks there, we can't go far from Orlando. I would really like to see Burrowing Owls if possible. Can anyone help me?

Thanks in advance.

I will tell you that we have seen many great birds right on Walt Disney World property at the resorts, at the hotels and all places in between. We have seen Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Great,Snowy, and Cattle Egrets, Common Galinule, Great and Little Blue Heron as well as Tri-colored and Green Heron, both Night Herons, White and Glossy Ibis, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Limpkin(at one of the ponds at Saratoga Springs Resort @ WDW every year), Sandhill Cranes, Brown Pelicans, Swallow-tailed Kite, Wild Turkey, Red-tailed & Red-shouldered Hawks, Anhingas(of course), Common Nighthawks, Loggerhead Shrikes, both Vultures and a whole host of others right on property. Most were seen each year, but you have to be looking. Also saw many alligators, armadillos, deer, and opposum.

Although I have never been... I have heard the Circle B Bar ranch is a decent place and not too far from Orlando. We went to Merritt Island(about 45 minute away) in late Aug, which is not the best time for FLA birding, and it was OK. I am sure it is much much better during the winter. Another spot close by is the Disney Wilderness Preserve, which I think is in Kissimee(but don't quote me on that). We did go 2 years ago, but a T-storm popped up as soon as we got there and they closed the trails. On the drive into this spot we did have Wild Turkey, Sandhill Cranes, RS Hawks, Loggerhead Shrike, Wood Duck, C. Nighthawk, and we heard a Barred Owl calling. I am sure there were more, but thats a quick list just from memory.

 As far as the Burrowing Owls go... If you are going to be anywhere near Cape Coral, FL... this is the place to see them.  Town folk are encouraged to put up posts in thier front yards and attract the great little guys. They are on many lawns and empty lots around the neighborhoods in town. You are GURANTEED to get this lifer by driving through this town! 

 

 

[lyceel]

Trent9997:

My family and I may be going on a trip to Orlando next year, and I would like to know any good birding spots. Since we're visiting the parks there, we can't go far from Orlando. I would really like to see Burrowing Owls if possible. Can anyone help me?

  Thanks in advance.

Hmm, Burrowing Owls might be tough.  There have been sightings, but I don't really know of any reliable places around Orlando.  The closest I've heard of is on Power Line Road in Hernando County.  Also, there are some in a county park in Palm Beach County (that's where I got mine).  Neither are very close to Orlando, though.

I can recommend a few spots around Orlando/Kissimmee, though.  Three Lakes WMA and Joe Overstreet Landing just north of there are both good places for birds.  If you can make it to the coast (about an hour away), you won't want to miss Merritt Island NWR and Viera Wetlands (aka Ritch Grissom Memoria Wetlands).  On the way back on SR 50, you can catch Orlando Wetlands Park too.

In downtown Orlando, you can check out Mead Gardens and Leu Gardens, though they're most active during fall migration.

Disney also maintains Disney Wilderness Preserve in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy.  I've actually never been there (I'll remedy that soon), but I hear it's good.  There's also a lot of great birding in Lake County, but that might be a bit far for you.

Oh, and if you want something a bit more amusement-park-like, but with birds and wildlife, you might consider a trip to Gatorland.

Hope that helps!

[Trent9997]

Thank you very much birdbrain and lyceel!

[lorelielee]

Look up a site Great florida birding trail should be able to point you in the right direction. Burrowing Owls are really hard to find specialty in big city's they like open fields....

[lorelielee]

Trent I looked up Burrowing Owl in Orlando and I found out they have been seen in Sorrento Fl. you might want to look it up 

 

[Cavan Wood]

If Tampa is not too far, we enjoyed Lettuce Lake just north of Tampa.  Besides alligators and turltles large and small, we saw black-crowned night heron, roseatte spoonbill, little blue, limpkin, anhinga, swallow-tailed kite, and a few others I can't remember right now.  We rented a canoe and paddle through the swamp.

[JimBob]

Cavan Wood:

If Tampa is not too far, we enjoyed Lettuce Lake just north of Tampa.  Besides alligators and turltles large and small, we saw black-crowned night heron, roseatte spoonbill, little blue, limpkin, anhinga, swallow-tailed kite, and a few others I can't remember right now.  We rented a canoe and paddle through the swamp.

That sounds SO fun! I need almost all those birds. (except the night heron)

[sgmfla]

Lyceel

Do you recall the park in palm beach county where you saw the owl??? 
I'm new to birding, but live in PB County and want to see them!

Thanks!

[Davis Bruce]

There is a park in the Ft. Lauderdale area that has the Burrowing Owls (Brian Piccolo Park) and almost guaranteed to get greats pics. This is one I got. We were visting my sister in WPB. It was well worth the trip.

[Fern Valley Jim]

One of my favorite places to go is Wekiva Springs State Park. It's about a 35 min. drive north of the Disney Resorts in Longwood off of Interstate 4. It's great for hiking, camping, swimming & kayaking/canoeing, lots and lots of birds and other critters. Very scenic and a must see if you are in the area, you won't be disappointed. Spent alot of time there when I lived in Orlando.