Spring and early summer are a great time of year to spot osprey nests with the heads of chicks popping up as one of the parents arrive with their next meal. Many establish their nests in colonies in the many rookeries found throughout the area mangroves. The best time of year to spot the many unique birds of Florida is from November to May.įor some birds, nesting time in southwest Florida can take place from February to October - it’s during these months that mating and nesting occur and the birds eagerly show off their colorful breeding feathers. If you click through and make a qualifying purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This article may contain affiliate links. Raptors, wading birds, swimming and diving birds, gulls, terns, vultures, and of course an assortment of song birds, can all be seen.ĭuring your time in Southwest Florida, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of anhingas sunning themselves after a meal, majestic great blue herons feeding in the late afternoon, adorable moorhens cooing as they paddle, and the easily recognizable brightly-colored roseate spoonbills.Īs for how to see these southwest Florida birds, the viewing options are endless, though hiking, paddling, or taking a guided tour are great ways to get you closer to the birds. Types of Birds You’ll See in Southwest Floridaīest Time of Year For Birding in Southwest Floridaīest Places to See Birds in Southwest Floridaįor birdwatchers and nature lovers alike, spotting the birds of southwest Florida is a bucket list adventure and each bird spotted is equally rewarding. Some bird species are here for only a short time until the chicks leave the nest while others stay for most of the summer to take advantage of the abundant food resources. Several species migrate throughout the year, while many others make this their permanent home year round. ![]() Some hang out in the water, while others stay on land. Given that this part of Florida lies within the Everglades ecosystem, there are hundreds of birds call southwest Florida home. One of the things we love best about the Paradise coast is the abundance of nature at our doorstep.ĭozens of wildlife preserves, nature refuges and 12 state parks in southwest Florida offer plenty of quiet places to escape and observe birds and other animals in their natural habitat. Audubon Center for Birds of Prey: True dedication is making a snail milkshake and feeding it to an injured kite! At the Center for Birds of Prey, we know that every Everglade Snail Kite is critical to the population of this endangered species.If you’re looking to the ultimate guide to some of the beautiful birds of Southwest Florida, we’ve got everything you need to know.Lake Okeechobee is critical to Everglades health and it is critical to the Everglade Snail Kite’s survival in its own right. Lake Okeechobee Recovery: Once a critical refuge for Everglade Snail Kite nesting, the health of Lake Okeechobee has declined so far that in 2005, kites did not nest successfully anywhere on the lake.By restoring the river of grass, we will ensure there will always be places for kites to feed, nest and raise their young. Everglades Restoration: The heart of Everglade Snail Kite habitat in Florida is the Everglades.Visit the Audubon Florida News Blog for the latest information about Audubon’s efforts to save the Everglade Snail Kite. Water quality has declined and with it, Everglade Snail Kite populations have as well. ![]() ![]() Much of its habitat has been drained, other parts inundated to depths that suit neither snails nor their namesake kites. Today the Snail Kite is in trouble: it is listed by both the State of Florida and the federal government as an endangered species. The sight of these hunters hovering over the Everglades’ sawgrass is a mainstay of our Florida heritage. The bird’s curved beak is slightly off-center to allow it to easily extract the snail from its spiraled shell. The Snail Kite is a bird of prey with a very particular appetite: it feeds almost exclusively on apple snails, a freshwater mollusk that occurs in Central and South Florida wetlands including the Everglades.
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