The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a collection of over 500 sites across Florida that provide exceptional birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. The trail spans the entire state of Florida, linking public parks, wildlife refuges, recreational areas, museums, and more to create an interconnected network for nature enthusiasts to explore and enjoy Florida’s incredible biodiversity.
When was the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail created?
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail was established in 1995 by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a way to highlight and conserve the state’s wealth of natural areas and wildlife habitats. The trail has been developed over the past 20+ years through partnerships between state agencies, local communities, conservation organizations, tourism bureaus, and private businesses working together to promote eco-tourism and outdoor recreation around wildlife viewing in Florida.
Who manages and maintains the Birding and Wildlife Trail sites?
The individual sites that make up the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail are managed by a variety of different organizations and agencies. State parks and wildlife management areas are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida State Parks. National wildlife refuges fall under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other sites are run by local county and city park services, private conservation organizations like Audubon Florida, and volunteer groups. While the Fish and Wildlife Commission coordinates and promotes the overall trail, the day-to-day management of the sites themselves is highly decentralized.
What kinds of wildlife can be seen on the Birding and Wildlife Trail?
The diversity of habitats across Florida means that the Birding and Wildlife Trail provides opportunities to see an incredible array of bird and animal species. From the panhandle to the Everglades, you may spot seabirds, wading birds, raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, and more. Mammals like manatees, dolphins, deer, bobcats, foxes, and bats also inhabit trail sites. Reptiles including turtles, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and alligators are native to Florida and can often be observed as well.
Notable Birds
- Roseate spoonbill
- Painted bunting
- Bald eagle
- Wood stork
- Limpkin
- Burrowing owl
- Swallow-tailed kite
Mammals
- Florida panther
- West Indian manatee
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Marsh rabbit
- River otter
- Nine-banded armadillo
Reptiles
- American alligator
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
- Florida softshell turtle
- Green sea turtle
- American crocodile
What are the major regions and habitats showcased on the trail?
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail includes sites in every part of the state and ranges from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades wetlands, inland lakes, and Central Florida woodlands. Major habitat types featured along the trail include:
Coastal Areas
Beaches, marshes, mangrove swamps, and barrier islands along Florida’s extensive coastlines provide critical nesting and feeding grounds for seabirds, shorebirds, wading birds, and ocean mammals.
Wetlands
Freshwater and brackish marshes, cypress swamps, flooded prairies, and sloughs sustain diverse wildlife like alligators, storks, ibises, frogs, and snails.
Lakes & Rivers
Limpkins, herons, coots, grebes, and ducks are among the species living on and along Florida’s abundant lakes and waterways.
Scrub & Sandhills
Dry, sandy habitats with scattered oaks and pines house species like scrub-jays, Bachman’s sparrows, indigo snakes, and gopher tortoises.
Hardwood Hammocks
These small, dense tropical forests support colorful songbirds like parrots, tanagers, and orioles as well as mammals like bobcats and deer.
Pinewoods
Sparse pine flatwood forests and longleaf pine savannas are home to wild turkeys, Red-cockaded woodpeckers, fox squirrels, eastern bluebirds, and Sherman’s fox squirrels.
What activities can visitors do at the Birding and Wildlife Trail sites?
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail offers many options for outdoor recreation beyond just wildlife viewing:
- Birdwatching – The trail provides excellent birdwatching with sites set up to spot both wetland species and forest/grassland species.
- Hiking – Many sites have nature trails or boardwalks through habitats like cypress swamps and mangrove forests.
- Boating – Kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours allow visitors to spot aquatic wildlife and access islands.
- Fishing – Fishing piers, boat launches, and shoreline access provide fishing opportunities across Florida.
- Biking – Some sites have paved trails or dirt roads suitable for biking.
- Camping – Visitors can camp in wilderness areas to fully experience habitats at night.
- Educational programs – Naturalist-led talks, guided walks, and hands-on programs are available at many sites.
Whether you visit for an hour or a whole week, the Birding and Wildlife Trail offers immersive nature experiences for all ages and interests.
What are some of the top sites and destinations along the trail?
With over 500 sites across Florida’s diverse regions and ecosystems, there are many outstanding places to explore on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Here are just a few top sites and destinations:
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
- Location: Florida panhandle along the Gulf Coast
- Habitats: marshes, swamps, forests, shoreline
- Birds: wood storks, pelicans, falcons, warblers, egrets
- Wildlife: alligators, manatees, deer, raccoons, river otters
- Activities: hiking, biking, boating, fishing, wildlife drives
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Location: along the Atlantic coast near Kennedy Space Center
- Habitats: salt marshes, coastal dunes, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods
- Birds: bald eagles, wood storks, ducks, grebes, ibises
- Wildlife: river otters, bobcats, loggerhead turtles, manatees
- Activities: hiking, boating, fishing, wildlife drive
Myakka River State Park
- Location: inland region near Sarasota
- Habitats: wetlands, pine woods, hammocks, prairies
- Birds: ducks, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills
- Wildlife: alligators, river otters, bobcats, deer
- Activities: hiking, biking, boating, camping, canopy walkway
Everglades National Park
- Location: southern Florida
- Habitats: sawgrass marshes, mangrove swamps, coastal prairies, hardwood hammocks
- Birds: herons, egrets, ibises, cormorants, spoonbills, anhingas
- Wildlife: American crocodiles, manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, panthers, alligators
- Activities: boating, hiking, canoeing, camping, wildlife drives
Lake Kissimmee State Park
- Location: central Florida near Lake Kissimmee
- Habitats: flatwoods, scrub, freshwater marshes, oak hammocks
- Birds: bald eagles, scrub-jays, limpkins, sandhill cranes, white ibis
- Wildlife: Sherman’s fox squirrels, bobcats, river otters, white-tailed deer
- Activities: hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, fishing, camping
Are there any endangered species on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail?
Yes, many threatened and endangered species rely on Florida habitats represented throughout the Birding and Wildlife Trail system. Seeing one of these rare species highlights the conservation value of the trail. Some endangered wildlife that may be spotted includes:
| Species | Description | Where Found |
|---|---|---|
| Florida panther | Large endangered cougar subspecies | Southwest Florida forests |
| Whooping crane | Endangered tall white crane | Marshes and wet prairies |
| Wood stork | Large wading bird with bald head | Marshes, swamps, mangroves |
| Everglade snail kite | Raptor that eats apple snails | Freshwater marshes |
| Red-cockaded woodpecker | White and black woodpecker | Pine flatwoods |
| Key deer | Small subspecies of white-tailed deer | Hardwood hammocks in Florida Keys |
| American crocodile | Endangered crocodile species | Coastal swamps and creeks |
| West Indian manatee | Large aquatic sea mammal | Springs, coastal waters |
What conservation efforts does the trail help support?
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail provides many conservation benefits to habitats and species throughout Florida:
- Protects land – Promotes preservation of natural areas as habitat for wildlife viewing and ecotourism.
- Habitat management – Trail sites conduct controlled burns, invasive removal, etc. to maintain native ecosystems.
- Environmental education – Trail sites educate visitors about conservation needs and how to avoid wildlife disturbances.
- Research – Scientists use trail sites to study wildlife ecology and monitor endangered species populations.
- Volunteer involvement – Trail sites rely on volunteers to help with upkeep, tour leading, research, and cleanups.
- Sustainable tourism – The trail boosts nature tourism in a low-impact, environmentally conscious way.
By fostering awareness and enthusiasm for Florida’s natural heritage, the Birding and Wildlife Trail cultivates public support for crucial conservation efforts across the state.
How can you plan a trip to sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail?
Planning your own Florida wildlife viewing adventure using the Birding and Wildlife Trail guide is easy:
- Decide on destinations – Browse the official trail website and select sites matching your interests.
- Consider timing – Factor in seasonal migration patterns and weather conditions for when you want to visit.
- Check accessibility – Sites have details on trails, facilities, and accommodations.
- Reserve as needed – You may need to reserve campsites, boat rentals, guided tours, etc. in advance.
- Pack properly – Bring binoculars, field guides, long sleeves/pants, water, sun protection, bug spray, etc.
- Print maps/directions – Many sites have printable trail maps and directions available online.
- Follow rules – Stay on trails, keep dogs leashed, and adhere to all posted regulations.
Focus on a region like the Florida panhandle, Everglades, Tampa Bay, or Florida Keys. Or target a habitat type like wetlands, coastal areas, or pine flatwoods. Mix in historic sites, museums, and other attractions as desired. The possibilities are endless on Florida’s Birding and Wildlife Trail!
Conclusion
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail offers exceptional wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. From the pinewoods of North Florida to the marshes of the Everglades, visitors can observe an incredible diversity of native birds and animals relying on the region’s complex mosaic of habitats. The trail promotes crucial conservation efforts by fostering sustainable ecotourism, habitat preservation, environmental education, and research. With strategic planning using the trail guide resources, anyone can have an amazing Florida adventure spotting roseate spoonbills, manatees, bald eagles, painted buntings, and much more!
