Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Great Florida Birding Trail Map - East Florida
Great Florida Birding Trail Map - East Florida
Great Florida Birding Trail Map - East Florida
Wildlife o
em e r a t i v e
Foundation
m
om G u i d
of Florida
U.S. Fish
C
and Wildlife
Service
Florida State
Parks
Florida Department of
Transportation
U.S. Department of
Transportation
Federal Highway
Administration
1
Map
Gannet Cluster
1
1 Ft. Clinch State Park Gateway *
A great introduction to Florida's bird species and
habitats; check the entrance road's hammock and
marsh for warblers, waders, wrens and sparrows.
Watch for painted buntings in spring/summer. Check
pier for seabirds, and purple sandpipers and gannets
in winter.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
YEAR-ROUND
2
Gannet Cluster
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
DIRECTIONS: From I-95 in Jacksonville, take exit 358A (Hecksher DIRECTIONS: From I-95 in Jacksonville, take exit 358A (Hecksher
Drive) E across Ft. George Inlet. Site is 3 mi. on right, on A1A S of Dr.) E 18 mi. Ft. George Island is on left (N) side of the road. Veer
Amelia Island. right on loop road to clubhouse for maps and trail guides.
Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (904) 251-2320 Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (904) 251-2320
www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/ www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
3
Gannet Cluster / St. Mary’s Cluster
Open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (summers, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
(904) 249-4700
J F M A M J J A S O N D
2
4
Kestrel Cluster
Map
3 3
Kestrel Cluster
J F M A M J J A S O N D
YEAR-ROUND
5
Painted Bunting Cluster
Map
J F M A M J J A S O N D
YEAR-ROUND
J F M A M J J A S O N D
6
Painted Bunting Cluster
YEAR-ROUND J F M A M J J A S O N D
Beach open 24 hrs/day, visitor center open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (386) 446-6780
(904) 471-0116 www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
YEAR-ROUND
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
7
Upland Songbird Cluster
5 During hunting seasons Sept.- March, you can drive into the
area to bird for sparrows, turkeys, wading birds and swallow-
tailed kites. Get a map at the check station. Outside of
hunting season, walk in at main gate, or 1 mile S, on E side
of road.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
8
Upland Songbird Cluster / Limpkin Cluster
Map
6 Limpkin Cluster
29 Sportsman’s Cove
This private fish camp on Orange Lake is known
for its limpkins, wading birds, shorebirds and
wintering ducks. From the waterfront, scope for
shorebirds on the flats. A reasonably priced
pontoon boat tour is available.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Map 6 - Limpkin Cluster
31 Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area
DIRECTIONS: Salt Springs is located just N of intersection of Excellent site for ducks, shorebirds and wading birds, raptors,
CR 314 and SR 19 on NE side of Ocala National Forest. Hiking sparrows, and blackbirds. Hike to the overlook and the levee trail
trailhead is 0.5 mi. S of the Salt Springs campground entrance, paralleling the wetlands.
on E side of road.
DIRECTIONS: From downtown Ocala, take SR 40 E 14 mi. to CR
Trail open 24 hours a day. (352) 685-2048 314A. Turn right (S) on CR 314A and go 7 mi. Turn right and follow
SE 85th St. less than 1 mi. to public parking area.
J F M A M J J A S O N D Open sunrise to sunset. (352) 288-2233
http://sjr.state.fl.us/
J F M A M J J A S O N D
9
Warbler Hammocks Cluster
7
Map 7 - Warbler Hammocks Cluster
Map
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
10
Swallow-tailed Kite Cluster
J F M A M J J A S O N D
38 39 Emeralda Marsh
Conservation Area
Entrances along Emeralda Island Rd.
host large flocks of bobolinks each
spring. Both bitterns are common, as
are migratory ducks in fall and winter.
There is intermittent springtime driv-
ing access to an interpretive loop at
this site; call (352) 429-3673. The
Treasure Island entrance is currently
undergoing restoration and (Site #38)
will reopen after 2004.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
36 Ocala National Forest: Alexander Springs
On Timucuan Trail, watch for songbird migrants and waders. When
driving in the Forest, watch for scrub-jays on wires; limpkins at river
crossings; and red-cockaded woodpecker trees, ringed with white 40 Hidden Waters Preserve
paint, throughout the forest. Steep slopes lead to a sinkhole formed over time by underground
water sources at this small site. Hardwood forest surrounds the lake
DIRECTIONS: From SR 19 N of Eustis, take CR 445 NE 5 mi.
and is productive for songbirds in early Oct. and early April. Check
Entrance to Alexander Springs will be on left (N) side of road.
the lake for ducks and wading birds, and open areas for raptors.
Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (352) 669-3153
DIRECTIONS: From the SR 44B and US 441 intersection in
Mt. Dora, take US 441 N 0.8 mi. Turn right at East Crooked Lake
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Rd and go 0.4 mi. to Country Club Rd. Turn right on Country Club
and go 0.7 mi. Site is on the right.
37 Sunnyhill Restoration Area Open sunrise to sunset. (352) 343-3777 www.lcwa.org
Follow the levees, watching for wintering ducks. Waders nest
here, including both ibises, purple gallinules and least bitterns. ➣ J F M A M J J A S O N D
11
Scrub-jay Cluster
9
Map 9 - Scrub-jay Cluster
Map
9 Scrub-jay Cluster
41 Lake George State Forest DIRECTIONS: From I-4, take exit #114 to US 17-92 N, and
head N 11.2 mi. to DeLeon Springs. (Choose US 17 N when road
Drive to end of road into Bluffton Recreation Area; watch for eagles, splits). Turn left (W) on N side of town onto Ponce DeLeon Blvd.
turkeys, bobwhites and raptors; songbird migrants in hardwood
Cross the railroad tracks and enter the park at this point.
hammock; and swallow-tailed kites, limpkins and waders at the river.
Check the entrance kiosk for occasional hunt dates, or call ahead. Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (386) 985-4212
www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
DIRECTIONS: Drive 0.5 mi. E of town of Volusia on St. Johns
River, or 5.7 mi. W of intersection of SR 17 and SR 40. Turn S on
J F M A M J J A S O N D
St. Johns River Rd.; go 0.75 mi. to forest entrance gate. The drive
to river extends 2.5 mi. S on St. Johns River Rd.
Open sunrise to sunset. (386) 985-7822 43 Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
www.fl-dof.com/ Impoundments provide resting and feeding areas for waterfowl,
waders and shorebirds, especially in winter. Good songbird viewing
YEAR-ROUND along trails S of the entrance area, and in flatwoods on NW side of
pools.
42 DeLeon Springs State Park Area DIRECTIONS: From US 17 N of DeLand, turn W on Retta Ave.
and drive to Grand Ave. Turn left (S) on Grand Ave. and proceed
Check waterfront for coots, ducks, limpkins and waders, then hike
to Mud Lake Rd. Turn right (W) on Mud Lake and drive to refuge
the 5-mi. hammock trail across floodplain and cypress margin,
entrance at the end.
looking for hermit thrushes, blue-winged warblers and other
migrants. Boat tour runs to Lake Woodruff. ➣ Open sunrise to sunset. (386) 985-4673
J F M A M J J A S O N D
12
Scrub-jay Cluster / Tanager Cluster
DIRECTIONS: From I-4 N of Deltona, take SR 472 (exit 114) E 2.7 Open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (407) 884-2008
mi. to Providence Blvd. (CR 4155). Turn right (S) and drive 0.7 mi. www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
to Eustace Ave. After turning right (W) on Eustace, library will be
immediately on left (S) side of road. Park in library's lot; trailhead is J F M A M J J A S O N D
behind library.
Open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (386) 740-5261 50 Seminole State Forest
www.volusia.org/growth/landacq.htm
Large site – driving in is recommended. Call in advance for permits.
Check East Spur's scrub for Florida scrub-jays, then park at
YEAR-ROUND Blackwater Creek bridge for songbirds and limpkins. Hike Sulphur
Loop or grade road to see indigo buntings, vireos and warblers.
47 Lake Ashby Park DIRECTIONS: From I-4 N of Orlando, take SR 46 (exit #101C) W
5.4 mi. Forest entrance is 2000 ft. W of Wekiva River on right (N)
Watch for wood storks circling on thermals and turkeys under the
side of the road.
oaks on drive in. Trail from the SE side of the parking lot runs
through good songbird hammocks to lake and boardwalk. From Open sunrise to sunset. (352) 360-6677
here, look for ospreys, eagles, waders and terns. www.fl-dof.com/
DIRECTIONS: From SR 44 E of DeLand, take SR 415 S 4.3 mi.
to Lake Ashby Rd. Turn left on Lake Ashby Rd. and go 1 mi. to Boy J F M A M J J A S O N D
Scout Camp Rd. Turn left and drive 1 mi.; entrance on the right (S)
side ot the road. ➣
13
Tanager Cluster
51 Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park DIRECTIONS: From I-4 N of Orlando, take exit #94 (SR 434) W
0.9 mi. to Wekiwa Springs Rd. Turn right. Go 4.1 mi. to entrance.
Hike main trail N for miles in this 17,800-acre preserve, or choose
1-mi. sandhill nature trail. Expect summer tanagers, Bachman's Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (407) 884-2008
sparrows, yellow-throated warblers, Eastern bluebirds and brown- www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
headed nuthatches on nature trail. On main trail, everything from
bobwhites to black-and-white warblers are possible.
YEAR-ROUND
DIRECTIONS: From I-4 N of Orlando, take SR 46 (exit #101C– not
#101A) W 4.2 mi. Preserve entrance is on right (N) side of road.
53 Lake Jesup Wilderness Area
Open sunrise to sunset. (407) 884-2008
From boat launch, bird for eagles, terns, waders and white pelicans
www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
on lake in winter. Using map (from kiosk behind boat ramp), hike
the pastureland; watch for raptors and sparrows. Look for barred
J F M A M J J A S O N D owls and migratory songbirds in hammock at end of berm trail.
YEAR-ROUND
55 Mead Gardens
From Sept.-Oct. and Apr.-May, morning birding can
reap 15 or more warbler species, as well as thrushes,
redstarts, vireos and kinglets. Bird boardwalk, stream,
pond and near picnic area.
14
Bittern and Bobwhite Cluster
Map
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
15
Bittern and Bobwhite Cluster / River to Ocean Cluster
J F M A M J J A S O N D 65 Scottsmoor Landing
At this access to N. Indian River Lagoon, scope for migratory ducks
in season. View shorebirds and waders along shoreline. Northern
Map harriers prowl the black needle rush marsh, where rails skulk in tall
reeds. Watch for painted buntings on entrance road.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
16
River to Ocean Cluster
YEAR-ROUND
12 71 Hatbill Park
Watch along Hatbill Rd. for everything from
songbird migrants to turkeys. This St. Johns
River site provides a sunset view of hundreds
of egrets, ibises and herons coming in to
roost. In winter, see ducks and flocks of
swallows near sunset. Prowl for owls along
road on drive back.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Mims
17
Natural Attractions Cluster
73 Tibet-Butler Preserve
Map
13 Natural Attractions Cluster This park shelters diverse habitats on Lake Tibet-Butler. Orient
yourself at nature center: hike to waterfront for wading birds like
white ibises and anhingas, or walk to bayhead, hammocks and
flatwoods for songbird migrants. Watch overhead for swallow-tailed
kites in spring/summer.
72 Lake Louisa State Park
DIRECTIONS: From I-4 on the S side of Orlando, take exit #68
A new entrance makes it possible to stop in briefly. Bird the lake (Lake Buena Vista) and go W on North SR 535. SR 535 turns left
at end of road, and watch for sparrows, meadowlarks, turkeys, 0.5 mi. W of I-4. After you turn, continue on SR 535 for 5.3 mi.;
bobwhites and raptors on the way in and out. More extensive, rustic site is on right (N) side of road.
trails also available.
Open Wed.-Sun., 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (407) 876-6696
DIRECTIONS: From Orlando, take I-4 exit #64B (US 192) W 8 mi. www.orangecountyfl.net
to US 27. Turn right (N) and go 8.5 mi. Site will be on left (W).
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (352) 394-3969
www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
J F M A M J J A S O N D
74 Gatorland
Black-crowned night-herons; great blue, little blue, green and
tricolored herons; white ibises, wood storks and snowy egrets nest
Map 13 - Natural Attractions Cluster over alligator ponds. Boardwalks permit close views. Birds nest
Jan.-Aug., peaking April-June. Mention the
Birding Trail for a 30% discount.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
13 www.nature.org/florida
J F M A M J J A S O N D
18
Turkey Cluster
Map migrants. East of parking area, warblers frequent the scrubby oaks.
Wading birds flourish in wetlands along N and NE boundaries.
Map 14 -
Turkey Cluster
14
19
Teal Cluster
YEAR-ROUND
15
20
Teal Cluster
DIRECTIONS: From Titusville, travel 0.25 mi. S on US 1 from DIRECTIONS: Take SR 528 E towards the Port and choose the
SR 50. Park is on the left (E) side of the road. ‘B’ side (S) entrance into Port Canaveral. Turn left onto Mullet Dr.
Port’s End Park is located before drawbridge on right. Canaveral
Open sunrise to sunset. (321) 264-5105 Locks are located at the very end of Mullet Dr.
www.brevardparks.com
Open sunrise to sunset. (321) 783-7831
YEAR-ROUND
YEAR-ROUND
J F M A M J J A S O N D YEAR-ROUND
21
Purple Gallinule Cluster
16 Purple Gallinule Cluster walk to river and look for waders and migratory ducks. This site's
bird list includes 3 thrushes, 4 vireos and 22 warbler species.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
91 Lake Hollingsworth
Excellent views of many waders from the 3 mi. sidewalk
trail. Look for purple gallinules, black-crowned night-herons,
least bitterns, and terns in winter. See avocets and sand-
pipers during low water, black-necked stilts in winter/spring,
and white pelicans in winter.
DIRECTIONS: From I-4, take exit #32 (US 98, Florida Ave.)
S into Lakeland. US 98 becomes SR 37; pass through
downtown and turn left (E) on Beacon Ave. Road dead ends
on Lake Hollingsworth Dr., veer right. Public parking has 2
entrances on left (N) side, beginning at Cleveland Heights
light. You are at southernmost point on the lake. Parking lot
is one-way.
Open sunrise to sunset. City of Lakeland: (863) 834-6040
www.publicworks.lakelandgov.net
16
YEAR-ROUND Map 16 - Purple Gallinule Cluster
22
Ridge Cluster
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
24
Whooping Crane Cluster
Map
J F M A M J J A S O N D
YEAR-ROUND
J F M A M J J A S O N D
25
Migrant Fallout Cluster
19 Migrant Fallout Cluster Look for waders, eagles, purple gallinule, marsh and sedge wrens,
and limpkin at waterfront. Snail kites living on lake are seen
occasionally from this vantage, more often at the SE corner of
the lake from the dirt Sarno Road Extension (site #108). Sparrows
like fallow edges of park; look for bobolinks in migration.
104 Brevard Zoo
DIRECTIONS: From US 1 N of Melbourne, take Lake Washington
Zoo's native animal area provides up-close looks at species like Rd. W 6 mi. to the park at the end.
the crested caracara, and offers programs on their conservation.
Guided kayaking program available through on-site wetland, where Open sunrise to sunset. (321) 952-4650
you can see wild wading birds, ducks and songbirds. Call for
details/reservations. YEAR-ROUND
DIRECTIONS: N of Melbourne, take exit #191 (Wickham Rd.) off
I-95. Go E to the 2nd light. Site will be on right (S) side of the road
at the intersection of Wickham and Murrell.
YEAR-ROUND
J F M A M J J A S O N D
DIRECTIONS: From I-95 in Melbourne, take US 192 E to Evans DIRECTIONS: From Melbourne, take US 192 E to A1A. Go S
Rd. Turn left (N) on Evans Rd. and go 0.8 mi. to the park on the left 5.5 mi., site is on left (E) side of the road.
(W) side of the road.
Open sunrise to sunset. (321) 952-4650
Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (321) 952-4650
www.brevardparks.com J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
113 Honest John's Fish Camp
Site offers unique access to wading bird roosts/rookeries, viewed
110 Turkey Creek Sanctuary by small motorboats, or by kayak/canoe (available for rent).
This migratory hot spot's warbler list has more than 30 species, Nesting/resting birds are vulnerable to disturbance; this is an
including Canada, Nashville, Swainson's and Tennessee. Migration opportunity to view them while learning about responsible bird-
heaviest in October and again in April; bird boardwalk along creek watching.
through hammocks and past a sand pine ridge. Tours available in
season. DIRECTIONS: From Melbourne Beach, take SR A1A 10 mi. S to
Mullet Creek Rd. Turn right (W) on Mullet Creek Rd. Site is at end
DIRECTIONS: From I-95 in Palm Bay, take exit #176 onto Palm of the road. Please respect private property along this road by not
Bay Rd. Go E on Palm Bay Rd. to Babcock St. and turn right (S). exiting your car until you've reached the site.
Make a left (E) onto Port Malabar Blvd and continue E 1 mi. to
Palm Bay Community Center on right. Parking for sanctuary is Open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
behind Community Center. Closed Christmas Day and Tuesdays, May-Oct.
(321) 727-2923
Open 7:00 a.m. to sunset. (321) 952-3433 www.honestjohns.net
* J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
DIRECTIONS: Exit I-95 in Palm Bay at Malabar Rd. (SR 514, exit
#173). Take Malabar Rd. east approximately 2.5 mi. Entrance is on
left (N) side of road immediately E of fire station.
* J F M A M J J A S O N D
27
Vero Vireo Cluster
20 Vero Vireo Cluster jaegers, shearwaters and petrels, and mangrove margins for
migratory songbirds. Park also offers guided boat tours to Pelican
Island National Wildlife Refuge, great for nesting and roosting
waders. Call ahead for reservations.
114 T. M. Goodwin Waterfowl DIRECTIONS: Take A1A N 12 mi. from Vero Beach. Entrance
station on the N side of Sebastian Inlet bridge, on left (W) side
Management Area
of the road.
Expect gamut of ducks in late fall/winter, as well as shorebirds
and hawks in migration. Area closed to birders during hunts; call in Open 24 hours a day. (321) 984-4852
advance for info. Hike dikes around the impoundments. Road into
the area can be good for everything from swallow-tailed kites to * YEAR-ROUND
bobwhites to caracaras.
DIRECTIONS: From I-95 and CR 512 intersection, N of Vero * reservations for boat tour only
Beach, go W 3 mi. to CR 507 (Babcock St.). Turn right (N) and go
5 mi. Turn left (W) onto Fellsmere Grade Rd. just S of the C-54
canal. At Stick Marsh boat ramp, follow signs to site entrance.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Map 20 - Vero Vireo Cluster
28
Vero Vireo Cluster / Scrub and Stream Cluster
* YEAR-ROUND
Map
*reservations needed for programs
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
29
Scrub and Stream Cluster / Caracara Cluster
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Map 21 - Scrub and Stream Cluster
21
30
Caracara Cluster
128 Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park 129 Lock 7: Jaycee Park
One of last remaining dry prairies, home to caracaras and Florida A park beside Lake Okeechobee that has waders, and occasional
grasshopper sparrows. As you approach site, look in pastures on W flocks of thousands of skimmers in the parking lot in fall/winter.
side just prior to park entrance for burrowing owls. DO NOT ENTER Royal, caspian and least terns sometimes join them. Watch for
THIS PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY; YOU MAY ONLY VIEW brown pelicans, white pelicans, cormorants, anhingas, loons and
THESE OWLS FROM THE ROAD. In the park, hike Peavine Trail grebes offshore.
past Military Grade, to slough full of alligators and waders. Hiking
DIRECTIONS: From Okeechobee, take US 441 S 3 mi. to SR 78.
Military Grade to the W instead passes prime Florida grasshopper
Turn right (E); take an immediate left to cross over Hoover Dike.
sparrow habitat.
Site is immediately on lake side of dike.
DIRECTIONS: From Okeechobee, go N on US 441 to CR 724
Open sunrise to sunset. (800) 871-4403
(Eagle Island Rd.). Turn left (W); go 15 mi. to stop sign. Go past
stop sign 1 mi. to 192nd Ave. (Peavine Rd.). Turn right (N); go 5 mi.
to the site. YEAR-ROUND
22
DIRECTIONS: Site is 5 mi. W of intersection
of SR 78 and US 441, on S side of road at
Kissimmee River bridge.
YEAR-ROUND
Open sunrise to sunset. (772) 462-2525 www.stlucieco.gov Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. (561) 468-3985
www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
23
Map 23 - Sandhill Crane Cluster
32
Sandhill Crane Cluster / Response Slip
136 Savannas Preserve State Park _____ Send a copy of Birding Trail brochure
Park at corral-fenced gate; hike property, through flatwoods to
_____ Send “Birdwatching Basics” – also available online *
savannah overlook at N end of trail, or tow canoe in and explore by
paddle. Wading birds nest throughout wetland, so please respect
congregations of birds and maintain a 300 -foot distance for their Other: ______________________________________________
well-being.
Cut along dotted line
____________________________________________________
DIRECTIONS: From Ft. Pierce, take US 1 S to Walton Rd. Travel
2 mi. E on Walton Rd. to corral-fenced parking area on the left (N) ____________________________________________________
side.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
✃
* www.floridabirdingtrail.com
33
Rate the Trail! For More Information...
Mail-In Response Form or to be added to the mailing list for the Great Florida
Birding Trail, fill in the response form at left (including
✎ Your country, state and county of origin ________________ your name and address on reverse side) and mail to:
_______________________________________________
Great Florida Birding Trail (or GFBT)
620 South Meridian Street
✎ Where did you hear about the Trail? __________________
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
_______________________________________________
outdoors). _______________________________________
_______________________________________________ Gateways
Gateways
This East Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail
✎ How many days have you spent birding in the last month? has three designated “gateway” sites which provide
_______________________________________________ more extensive Trail-related resources. They are:
✁
34
Trail Tips
Trail Tips
When birding...
For the Birds!
The Great Florida Birding Trail helps everyone enjoy
and conserve Florida’s wildlife and wildlife habitat. A
• Take along water, sunscreen and bug spray. donation to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida will help
• Make reservations in advance for “by-appointment us expand and enhance the Trail experience. With
only” sites. your support, we can continue to protect Florida’s
natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
• Check seasonality of site; are you visiting at the
right time of year? If you would like to make a donation, please mail
check to:
Birding Ethics
GFBT
Don’t you hate it when the doorbell or telephone rings P.O. Box 6181
just as you settle down to dinner or a nap? While Tallahassee, FL 32314-6181
mere nuisances to us, disruptions in feeding and
nesting routines can spell disaster for birds, especially Note: Please make sure to make checks payable to
the cumulative effect of frequent disruptions, a com- the Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
mon occurence at busy sites. When a nesting bird is
forced to fly, it may leave eggs or young exposed to
Watch for the comprehensive Guide to the East
temperature extremes or predators. A migratory bird
may be exhausted and hungry from a long flight – it Florida Birding Trail in bookstores Fall 2002!
needs to rest and eat. With care and common sense,
birders can help protect the birds they love to watch.
Consider these points:
City Locator
• Stay back from concentrations of nesting or loafing
waterbirds – a spotting scope may be a better City Map No. City Map No.
choice than binoculars. Bunnell 7 Melbourne 19
• Walk around groups of birds on the beach rather Cocoa 15 New Smyrna Beach 9, 12
than forcing them to fly. Daytona Beach 9 Ocala 6
DeLeon Springs 9 Okeechobee 22
• Sit or crouch so that you appear smaller.
Deltona 9 Orlando 10, 13,14
• Keep movements slow and steady rather than fast Fernandina Beach 1 Ormond Beach 7
or sporadic.
Fort Pierce 23 Oviedo 11
• If viewing from your car, stay inside as long as Hilliard 2 Palatka 5
possible. It acts as a viewing “blind” and the birds Jacksonville 1, 3 Sebring 21
are less likely to fly if they don’t recognize you as Keystone Heights 3 St. Augustine 4
human.
Kissimmee 13 St. Cloud 4, 18
• Stay on roads, trails and paths to minimize habitat Lake Placid 21 Tavares 8
disturbance. Lake Wales 17 Titusville 12,15
• Do you occasionally use recordings to attract birds? Lakeland 16 Vero Beach 20
If so, remember not to overuse them, or to try to Leesburg 8 Winter Haven 17
attract rare or protected species.
35
EAST SECTION
Legend
Not a primary Trail site, but "Worth
A Visit" if you're already in an area
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Best months for each will be shaded
www.floridabirdingtrail.com