The Great Florida Birding Trail

Bald Eagle on the Great Florida Birding TrailFlorida: The warm weather and multiple ecosystems make the state of Florida a haven for many different species of birds. From year round resident species to thousands of migratory birds, the area is one of the best in the world for observing birds. Just like the birds are attracted, so are the enthusiast that follow them and for them we have the Great Florida Birding Trail.

To accommodate the growing desire for birding, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission developed the trail. With assistance from the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Florida Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon of Florida and Visit Florida, they designed a program to highlight the diversity of bird population in Florida. Modeled after a similar program in Texas, the first section of Great Florida Birding Trail opened in 2000.

Today the trail has grown to 2,000 miles in length with over 400 individual sites throughout the state. The trail is segmented into four sections:
  • East: opened in 2000 and contains 135 sites in 18 counties.
  • West: opened in 2002 and contains 117 sites in 21 counties.
  • Panhandle: opened in 2004 and contains 78 sites in 16 counties.
  • South: opened in 2006 and contains 116 sites in 12 counties.

Inside the sections, the sites are further broken down into clusters to help plan trips and outings.

New sites will be added to the trail through a nomination process. Each section will add new sites on a five year schedule. For a list of current sites on the trail, visit the official Great Florida Birding Trail website.

For photos from the sites I have visited on the trail, visit my Great Florida Birding Trail photo gallery.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Photo of the Day: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Image
  For many years, a towering, iconic Sorcerer's Hat served as the unmistakable central landmark for Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios), drawing visitors deep into the park's vibrant heart. The hat, an enormous, three-dimensional representation of the magical cap worn by Mickey Mouse in his role as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the classic film Fantasia , was initially erected as a centerpiece for the park's 100 Years of Magic celebration, honoring the centennial of Walt Disney's birth. Its prominent placement quickly cemented its status. Much like the instantly recognizable icons of the other Walt Disney World theme parks—Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, and the intricately carved Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom—the Sorcerer's Hat became the park's most famous symbol and a favored backdrop for countless visitor photographs. Its design featured bold colors, stars, and the moon...
Read more

Photo of the Day: New York City

Image
Along the perimeter of Central Park, nestled within the vibrant core of New York City, stands a collection of the city's most architecturally significant and historic luxurious apartment buildings. These iconic addresses are more than just residences; they are meticulously preserved monuments that pay homage to a bygone era of Gilded Age splendor and pre-war elegance, maintaining their original magnificence and grandeur.  A premier example of these exceptional homes is The Beresford. Completed in 1929, this legendary co-op on Central Park West is instantly recognizable by its distinctive trio of massive copper towers and is celebrated for its imposing scale and sophisticated design. Conceived by the renowned architect Emery Roth, The Beresford stands as a testament to the period's commitment to lavish detail, expansive layouts, and unparalleled exclusivity. It offers residents breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, cementing its status not just ...
Read more

Visiting the Florida Holocaust Museum: A Powerful and Reflective Experience

Image
St Petersburg, Florida: Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. Founded in 1992 by Holocaust survivors Walter and Edith Lobenberg, the museum has grown into a deeply moving cultural and educational destination that encourages visitors to reflect on history while promoting a more compassionate future.  Overview of the Museum  The museum’s core exhibit, “History, Heritage, and Hope,” takes visitors on a chronological journey through the Holocaust, beginning with the roots of antisemitism and continuing through the rise of Nazi Germany, World War II, and eventual liberation. The experience is largely self-guided, allowing visitors to move at their own pace while engaging with photographs, personal artifacts, and survivor testimonies.  One o...
Read more