Stories

Picture a cool January morning on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, where the sun peeks over the horizon, painting the marshes and forests in golden hues. The air is crisp, carrying the gentle rustle of leaves and the melodic calls of songbirds greeting the day. Nature feels alive and welcoming—herons wade gracefully through glistening waters while a curious hawk soars above.

With mild weather and fewer crowds, winter is the perfect time to embrace the magic of birdwatching. Grab your binoculars, follow the trails, and prepare to be enchanted by the sights and sounds of this unique season.

Seven Birding Gems of Florida’s Adventure Coast

Discover seven stunning locations along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, showcasing the diverse habitats and bird species that call our destination home.

Bayport Park
A serene coastal retreat where waders and shorebirds can be spotted in the saltmarsh flats. In winter, bring a spotting scope to check the open waters from the fishing pier. Don’t forget to scan the skies for ospreys or the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead.

Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
This expansive area offers upland forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for wood storks, hawks, and migratory warblers as you explore the quiet trails. Gopher tortoises, southern fox squirrels and a small population of Florida black bears also reside in the area.

Chinsegut Conservation Center and Trails – Birding Gateway Site
A birder’s dream with over 850 acres of protected land, Chinsegut is home to raptors, woodpeckers, and seasonal songbirds. The bird blind here provides an excellent viewing spot, so be sure to bring your camera! Open on Fridays and Saturdays, a Conservation Center offers family-friendly programs and a track chair for people with mobility challenges to explore the hiking trails.

Linda Pedersen Park
A fantastic birding spot along Florida’s Adventure Coast, birders will enjoy the scenic views of Jenkins Creek and the coastal waters leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the elevated observation tower for sweeping views and a chance to spot herons, egrets, and even manatees enjoying the warm water during cool winter days.

Weekiwachee Preserve
This vast preserve is a haven for birdlife, offering a mix of freshwater marshes and forests. Look for winter sparrows, Sedge, House Wrens and various waterfowl as you stroll through the scenic trails around the lakes. There is also a wading bird roost here; watch from a respectful distance so as to not disturb this sensitive site.

Withlacoochee State Forest
Explore the forest trails for opportunities to spot woodpeckers, hawks, and songbirds. The Citrus Tract’s diverse mix of pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks creates a vibrant birding environment year-round. Stop by the Visitor Center for a forest trails map.

McKethan Lake Recreation Area
This peaceful lake area is ideal for birdwatchers, with Anhinga, Mottled Duck and the occasional Wood Stork making an appearance. Migrant wood-warblers are known to visit in the spring. Walk the scenic loop trail or relax by the water to take in the sounds of nature.

Get Ready for Spring Migration

As winter gives way to spring, the skies of Florida’s Adventure Coast transform into a highway for migrating birds. March marks the beginning of spring migration, bringing vibrant species like painted buntings, indigo buntings, and warblers passing through on their journey north. Now is the perfect time to plan your spring birding getaway—book your stay and witness one of nature’s most remarkable seasonal events!

Tips for Birding Success

• Gear Up: Bring binoculars, a birding guide, and a camera to capture your discoveries. Download the Birding Sites and Checklist for Florida’s Adventure Coast, created by local birding experts in the Hernando Audubon Society.
• Time It Right: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot birds in action. Check ahead to make sure the site you plan to visit is open, and if any day-use fee is required. Sites like the Chassahowitzka WMA and the Withlacoochee State Forest may have hunting activities.
• Move Quietly: Patience and stillness go a long way when observing wildlife. Offer plenty of space, and avoid playing bird calls as this can cause unnecessary stress and disrupt their natural behaviors.
• Be Respectful: Stay on designated trails, maintain a safe distance, and leave no trace behind. Learn more tips on how to Visit Responsibly on Florida’s Adventure Coast.

Plan your next birding adventure

Whether you’re visiting now for peaceful winter birding or planning ahead for spring migration, Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, is a birdwatcher’s paradise waiting to be explored. Visit our website to find maps, tips, and inspiration to plan your perfect birding escape!