![]() ![]() The trail consists of a network of more than 500 wildlife viewing sites throughout the state and can even alert you to specific birds you may find at each location.Bird outline cliparts are a popular and versatile design element, perfect for adding a touch of nature and elegance to any project. If you’re in search of another recommendation or don’t see your county on this list, check out the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Sunbathe or walk along Greer Island beach to find classic Tampa Bay beach birds.Duette Preserve is the largest preserve in Manatee County’s land preservation program, featuring the source of the Manatee River.Emerson Point Preserve, on the western tip of Snead Island, includes a paved road throughout its entire property.10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey. Starkey Wilderness Park, which is part of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Pick up a map at the nature center before venturing into Jay B.Key Vista Nature Park boasts a viewing tower to watch shorebirds on the mudflats below.Sit by Hancock Lake or amble around Circle B Bar Reserve, a former cattle ranch that now is protected natural land.Camp out at Saddle Creek Park or just take a day visit to observe the vibrant bird scene.McKay Bay Nature Park offers multiple trails through the trees as well as mangroves and mudflats.Birders can either explore on foot or paddle downstream at Hillsborough River State Park.Rent a canoe or kayak at Lettuce Lake Nature Park to embark on the Hillsborough River or hike through the park’s extensive trails.Fort De Soto Park serves as the largest park in the Pinellas County park system, made up of five different islands.Sawgrass Lake Park has 400 acres of lush bird-spotting terrain.While Honeymoon Island State Park is known for its sandy beaches, it’s also a great place to locate birds.Stroll down the boardwalks at Weedon Island Preserve to find birds nestled in the treetops.Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great place for new birders, complete with the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, where any and all questions are welcome.Below are just a few options to get you started. The Tampa Bay area offers an abundance of nature preserves and state parks - one of the reasons people come from all over for birding. You can also share observations or find bird hot spots near you.Īs your birding journey begins, jot down a list of your bucket list birds to keep yourself motivated, Gibson recommends. And, of course, there’s an app for that - eBird allows birders to tally their sightings and archive accompanying photos and sounds. While every birder is different, many enjoy recording sightings or snapshots in a designated birding journal. ![]() Snap a picture or even record a bird call for a species prediction in real time, Gibson said. Both Gibson and Paul suggest Merlin Bird ID, an app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology that offers a variety of settings for bird identification. Since that field trip in 1985, Paul has spent her life observing birds and their stories, serving as the president of the Florida Ornithological Society, the Nature Festival and the Tampa Audubon Society.Īs birding adapted to the modern age, a slew of mobile apps emerged on the scene. This was her “spark bird,” or the bird that hooked her, as seasoned birders fondly refer to it. “There it was, and there I was,” Paul said. She nearly started jumping up and down on the trail, and she forgot about catching up with the rest of the field trip. With a look at her field guide, Paul confirmed its species: a black-and-white warbler. Paul said she knew enough to identify the bird as a warbler, but those stripes served as the final clue. But she was entranced, noticing the black-and-white stripes that adorned its small body. It was a tiny thing, and it completely ignored her inquisitive eyes. But Paul was late, and “if you’re late to an Audubon field trip, you get there and they’re gone,” she said.Īs Paul started down the trail, she noticed a bird tucked within some bushes. ![]()
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