Birding is one of the most fascinating hobbies out there. Florida is home to the Florida Birding Trail, which is made up of state parks and other places to see different bird species throughout the state. Here's an overview of where to go and what birds you can see there. Crystal River Archeological State Park Located in Crystal River, the Crystal River Archeological State Park is a good place to start for birding beginners. Songbirds, Eagles, and water birds are all found at this state park. It features paved and easily accessible trails that lead to where the songbirds migrate to. An ancient shell mound gives a good view of the river and the ducks and waders in the water near the shoreline at all times of year. The park has a $3 entrance fee. more Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge Chiefland, Florida, is home to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and the 8.5 mile Dixie Mainline trail within. This area is a place to go to see native and migrating shorebirds. Lots of other wildlife is also available to see here as you walk, bike, or drive along the trail. One of the must-see experiences here is the bald eagle nests in the Salt Creek Marsh. Exercise caution during October and November. The area is a popular hunting spot, so hiking and biking isn't advisable during this time of year. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, 10 miiles from Eastpoint, Florida, is known for beautiful beaches but it's also a prime spot for birding enthusiasts. The best time to come here for birding is October through April when beach attendance is at its lowest. American oystercatchers and snowy plovers nest here on a regular basis. Bonaparte's Gulls are a reliable presence during the winter and spring months. Blue grosbeaks and scarlet tanagers are songbirds that can be found along the sandhill trail leading from the campsite in April. There's a $6 entrance fee. Bok Tower Gardens Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida, is another birding destination set in a beautiful garden setting that mixes with the native plant population. It's the perfect place to see loggerhead shrikes, kestrels, pleated woodpeckers, and nighthawks. Songbirds that migrate stop here in April and in the fall from September through October. Hummingbirds visit during the spring and summer. Bok Tower Gardens has a $15 admission fee. Caladesi Island State Park Located on the Florida Gulf Coast near Dunedin, Florida, Caladesi State Park is another beach destination where you can find songbirds that migrate from other places, gulls, and terns. Piping plovers and red knots can also be found here. The park is only accessible by boat but you can take the nearby Honeymoon Island State Park ferry right to the island. There's a $6 boat fee. Florida has a variety of spots where you can see birds native to the state as well as those just migrating to other places. Whether you want to walk along trails, visit lush gardens, or simply enjoy the beach and look for birds, there's a birding spot for you. Check out these birding destinations on your next trip to Florida. Some rights reserved by DFChurch
