Central Florida’s Birding: Exploring Lakeland and Beyond
Let’s face it. We all end up on a trip to Walt Disney World at some point or another, whether it’s for the thrill of our children or of our inner child, a weekend of Mickey Mouse and epic rides happens to the best of us and is arguably good for the soul.
If you’re like me, you ride the rides, sure, but when the family is occupied, you may be glancing in the shrubs for a migrating Kirtland’s Warbler. At the crest of a towering roller coaster, you are less concerned with the inevitable, terrifying, spiral descent than the stellar opportunity to scan over the flats for a soaring Snail Kite. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a noble parent with pair of mini bins in your purse, the Central Florida region promises avian enchantment beyond the walls of The Magic Kingdom. Here are just a few gems to visit with Mickey and Pluto.
Destinations Close to Disney
1. Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland:
A picture-perfect oasis, the Circle B Bar Reserve boasts a myriad of trails, meandering through diverse habitats. Here, the distinctive cry of the Limpkin echoes across the wetlands, a sound that is intrinsically Floridian. Their specialized bill and long legs are perfect for hunting apple snails, a delightful sight for those patient enough to observe.
But the reserve doesn’t stop there. Depending on the season, birders might also be treated to the graceful displays of nesting Roseate Spoonbills or the elegant flight of Black Skimmers across the water.
Find out more at https://polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve
2. Lake Kissimmee State Park:
Nestled amidst pine flatwoods, grasslands, and glistening lakes, this state park is a sanctuary for the elegant Tri-colored Heron. Their vibrant mix of blue-gray, lavender, and white is a visual treat. As they wade in the shallows, it’s not uncommon to see them dart forward in their spirited hunt for fish.
The park also plays host to a slew of other bird species. Winter months herald the arrival of White Pelicans, while spring brings a riot of colors and calls with various migratory songbirds, including a ton of warblers.
Find out more at https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-kissimmee-state-park
3. Orlando Wetlands Park:
This impressive man-made wetland has earned its reputation as a hotbed for bird diversity. The elusive Least Bittern, North America’s smallest heron, calls this park home. Their cryptic coloration allows them to blend seamlessly with the reeds, making spotting one both a challenge and a reward.
Orlando Wetlands Park is also a backdrop for some of Florida’s most spectacular birding phenomena. From synchronized flights of Black Skimmers to abundant migratory warblers in spring, there’s something to captivate the bored-of-Disney birder any time of year.
Find out more at https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Wetlands-Park
4. Disney World itself!
Did you know Walt Disney World actually is an eBird Hotspot!? Well it is! At the time of this post Walt Disney World boasted 158 species. Nothing to write home about by other Florida standards, but certainly nothing to slouch at either.
Checkout Walt Disney World hotspot on Ebird. https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2481807/bird-list
With water all around this theme park, it’s a great place to pick some trickier birds to find for northerners, like both Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Limpkin, even Whooping Crane. At dawn you can cruise by the water to find roosting Anhingas, and any of the 10 species of bitterns, egrets, and herons. And how about 15 species of warblers? Just saying, maybe plan that trip around spring migration…
Stay after dark and you could be lucky enough to hear the Chuck-will’s-widow or see one of three species of owls logged there.
Wrap Up:
While Florida’s sunny beaches and bustling theme parks have their charm, for birders, the real allure lies in its tranquil birding spots. Central Florida has dozens of hotspots surrounding Walt Disney World, but if you are strapped for time, packing your bins along and busting them out while you’re in the roller coaster line is definitely worth it.
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Looking for a more structured birding tour in Florida? Check out the GitBirds! Marketplace for options in the Sunshine State.
Special Thank You:
Special thanks to Lakeland, FL photographer, Nathanial O’Connell for the photos in this post. You can find more of his amazing photos at https://www.instagram.com/nateo7/. Thanks Nathanial!
