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Where to Go Birding in Florida

Where to Go Birding in Florida Orange Park, FL
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.

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.   AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved by DFChurch
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5 Tips for Visiting Little Talbot Island State Park

Little Talbot Island State Park is a beautiful state park located in northeast Florida. With gorgeous beaches and crystal waterways, it is a picturesque location that both tourists and residents enjoy. The park offers hiking and walking trails. It also boasts numerous different ecosystems all within its acreage. Whether you are spending a day at the beach or exploring the lands around it, there are a few important tips that you should know. 5 Tips for Visiting Little Talbot Island State Park Bring Comfortable Shoes Little Talbot Island has many trails to explore. The Natural Loop Trail is among the shortest of these at less than a mile. The terrain is even on this walkway making it perfect for families with younger children to explore it. For those with more advanced abilities, there are several walking trails that run along the beaches and coastal reefs. Because this reef is underdeveloped, it can be harder to navigate for the novice hiker. Paved trails are also available for those that require accessible and wheelchair-friendly options. more Watch for Animal Tracks Little Talbot Island prides itself on being one of the few islands in the barrier that remains untouched by urban sprawl. As a result, wildlife has been able to flourish in its natural habitat. It is not uncommon for visitors to see the tracks of animals who call the park home. Tortoises, snakes, and opossums have been known to saunter across the hiking trails. Bobcats, too, reside at Little Talbot Island so be on the lookout for their tracks! Look for Wedding Parties Little Talbot Island is home to more than just land animals, birds, and marine life. This barrier island is also home to the start of many marriages! Since the middle of the 20th century, Little Talbot Island has hosted both beach and woodland weddings. The backdrop of the white sands against the sparkling blue waters makes it an ideal spot to celebrate love. Don't be surprised if you pass a blushing bride—or runaway groom—while visiting! Wear Your Sunscreen Little Talbot Island boasts an impressive five miles of beaches all within the park's grounds. On warm summer days, these sands are filled with people enjoying the waters. A nearby boardwalk makes the beaches easier to access. Spending a day in the Florida sun can get exhausted and be hard on the skin. Be sure to bring sunscreen before heading out. Call in Advance If you want more of a structured day, that is not a problem. Little Talbot Island offers visitors the chance to explore the lands with help from a tour guide. Whether it is a volunteer or park ranger, these helpers will explain the beauty and history of the park as you walk about the natural landscapes. Make sure to call ahead to reserve your time and assure availability. If you want to really make your visit to Little Talbot Island memorable, why not buy a new vehicle while you are here? Come see us at DARCARS Orange Park CDJR today! We are waiting to help you into the car of your dreams—and your budget!

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6 Tips for Visiting Adventure Landing in Jacksonville, FL

Whether you're in the mood for arcade action, looking to break a Go-Kart speed record, or want to beat the heat in a wave pool, Adventure Landing has something for everyone. For a park with this much to do, you'll need to plan your trip carefully to fit everything in. 6 Tips for Visiting Adventure Landing in Jacksonville, FL 1. Check Their Website Ahead of Time Sections of the park may operate on different schedules. Be sure to consult their website before your visit. For instance, the Go-Karts have shorter hours than the rest of the park. The waterpark has its own calendar: it's a good idea to check that out too. Bad weather may affect the park. Rain and colder temperatures may cause some attractions to close or delay opening. more 2. The Park May Have Special Rates A good example is rainy day discounts at the arcade. Most people avoid the park when it's raining. But if you love indoor arcade games, you can take advantage of savings on tokens and meals. The park offers a variety of packages and season passes. There's sure to be a deal for every family's budget. To stay in the loop, consider signing up for the Adventure Club. Members receive emails with coupons and exclusive offers. 3. A Great Place for Groups Are you looking for the perfect place to host your next birthday party? Then gather your friends and head to the park. Kids will love the fun attractions, and parents can take advantage of group discount rates. The park caters to adult events as well. Embrace your inner child and play laser-tag with your co-workers or feed the gators with your poker buddies. 4. Nearby Accommodations You'll have so much fun, you'll want to stay all day. The park makes that possible with their preferred lodging program. You can earn discounts on park tickets by staying at a participating hotel. You'll never have to worry about rushing home to beat the traffic again. 5. Host the Best Holiday Party If you're tired of the same boring office holiday party, consider booking the park instead. Parties are customizable; you can choose food and entertainment options to suit everyone's needs. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 and above. 6. Pace Yourself The park has so many activities, it's hard to cram them all into one day without exhausting yourself. Plan your adventure in advance, and hit up your favorite attraction as soon as it opens to reduce wait times. Consider extending your visit over a few days, especially if you plan on going to the waterpark. Shipwreck Island Waterpark can easily fill your entire day and once you get wet, it will be hard to go back out into the heat. You'll need a dependable vehicle to get your family and friends to the park. If your current vehicle has seen better days, visit Orange Park Dodge today and see what we have to offer. DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership is sure to have the car of your dreams.

Bookstores in Orange Park, FL

The Best Bookstores in Jacksonville

If you can't find a good book in the Jacksonville area, then you're not looking hard enough. This city has a wonderful selection of bookstores from large chain stores with thousands of titles to smaller, independent stores with specialty books. Jacksonville also has used bookstores where you can buy and sell books and get some great deals. Here are some of the best bookstores in Jacksonville. more Chamblin Bookmine Chamblin Bookmine is a large independent bookstore with two locations in Jacksonville. This store has both new and used books along with collectibles and rare books. Between the two locations and the warehouses, Chamblines has roughly three to four million titles available. You can bring your gently used books in for cash or store credit, or just browse through the stacks of books. Chamblin participates in the Art Walk on the first Wednesday of every month when artists and local vendors set up in front of the Uptown location, and the book club meets once a month to discuss a new book with different genres covered every month. Black Sheep Books Black Sheep Books has a warm and inviting atmosphere and a fantastic collection of rare books. Shop here for mint condition first editions and some unique titles you can't find at other stores. This used book store has a vast selection ranging from pulp classics to science fiction, kid's books, and the classics along with paperbacks that bring you back to your childhood. The owner and staff are very knowledgeable about almost any genre and will help you find what you need. San Marco Bookstore The San Marco Bookstore first opened in 1972 in the San Marco Square. The current owners purchased it in 1999, worked hard to grow the selection of books, and it is still a family-operated bookstore. Stop in to find a new book or browse through the gift ideas that include scarves, banned book titles, and even Edgar Allan Poe socks. The book club celebrates all books, including banned books, and if you visit the website, you can find a list of suggested titles. San Marco Bookstore also hosts book signings. Barnes & Noble Booksellers You can't go wrong at Barnes & Noble, and there are two locations in Jacksonville. This large bookstore has a little of everything, including games, toys, and comfy chairs where you can sit and look through the books. The children's section is enormous with special events for the kids, such as storytime, the Young Adult book club, and even Lego building events. Head to Barnes & Noble to find a new book or grab a cup of coffee from the cafe and spend a few hours browsing through the thousands of books and magazines. If you want to save money, make sure to check out the bargain section. This is always a great place to find something new and interesting. Check out these Jacksonville area bookstores. You can find almost anything to read, whether you like sci-fi, nonfiction, the classics, or rare first editions. image via pixabay