Fall Birding on Florida’s Adventure Coast
Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. While the region boasts year-round appeal, autumn emerges as a particularly enchanting time for birdwatchers. The arrival of fall signals the start of an extraordinary migration as countless bird species journey south seeking warmer climates. Florida’s Adventure Coast becomes a critical stopover point, offering food and shelter for these feathered travelers. Immerse yourself in a natural wonder as you witness the breathtaking spectacle of migration and explore the region’s diverse ecosystems, from coastal marshes and cypress wetlands, to cedar hammocks and longleaf pine forest.
Fall in Florida: The Perfect Time to Visit
Fall migration begins in August and continues through October. This is one of the best times to be outdoors on Florida’s Adventure Coast, for both humans and birds! You’ll find popular attractions like Weeki Wachee Springs State Park without the crowds, and comfortable weather to spend time outdoors. Our parks and preserves are also on peak display, as many Florida pinelands enjoy “a second Spring.” The best time to look for birds is during the relatively cool early morning hours, when most birds are actively feeding.
Courtesy: Hernando Audubon Society
Birding Hotspots on Florida’s Adventure Coast
With eight locations on the Great Florida Birding Trail, and two globally important birding areas, Florida’s Adventure Coast offers a plethora of birdwatching opportunities.
Pine Island Beach is the best area for birds that prefer saltwater. Look for early migrating shorebirds in September. Check for sandpipers, gulls, rails, herons and egrets, including an occasional Reddish Egret.
The Weekiwachee Preserve attracts many resident birds, as well as fall migrants. Since 1995, 250 species of birds have been recorded, including a White-tailed Kite seen briefly in October 2000. The wooded areas attract songbirds; the best birding is often found by walking the forest trails closest to the entrance to the preserve.
The Withlacoochee State Forest has many resident birds, including Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Southeastern Kestrel and Bachman’s Sparrows. Other birds that nest in the Croom Tract include Swallow-tailed Kite, Wild Turkey, Yellowbilled Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Northern Parula, and Summer Tanager. All of the eastern woodpeckers can be found in the Croom Tract, a Globally Important Bird Area.
At the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, the diversity of habitat from swamps to upland pine forests and hardwoods attracts a wide range of resident and migrant birds. To date, 143 species have been found there, and more are possible with further exploration! Cypress Circle, a 1.5-mile walk that passes through a wetland, can attract a few migrants in the spring and fall. Be aware that various types of hunting occur here from late September through early January and in late March.
At the Perry Oldenburg Mitigation Park, both resident and migrant songbirds can be seen along the 1.5-mile loop trail winding through sandhills and hardwood hammocks. Cypress Lake Preserve (324 acres) provides a diversity of habitat for birding. The cypress-lined lake attracts herons, egrets, and Limpkins, and the woods draw both migratory and resident songbirds, as well as Wild Turkey.
Go Guided
Looking to bird with a local expert? Join the Hernando Audubon Society on a birding fieldtrip. Those new to the hobby can learn to identify birds at feeders and during a short walk at a Beginners Birding Class offered monthly at the Chinsegut Conservation Center. On the the Great Florida Birding Trail, this site is considered a birding gateway site for it’s multitude of different species.
Consisting of 270 acres of land north of Brooksville, Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary is a Florida Audubon Society property, available for group visits by appointment.
Plan Your Birding Adventure
Ready to embark on an unforgettable birding adventure? Grab your binoculars and explore the wonders of birding on Florida’s Adventure Coast! With pleasant temperatures and a vibrant ecosystem, fall is the perfect time to witness the breathtaking spectacle of birds migrating through the area. Explore diverse habitats with an opportunity to spot rare and endangered birds, as well as other Florida wildlife like manatees, gopher tortoises and more along the way. Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and respect the wildlife you encounter by watching from a distance.
Plan Your Perfect birding Getaway
After a day of birding, relax and recharge at one of our charming accommodations, savor the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the region’s history. With fun events like corn mazes, fall festivals, and farmers markets, there’s always something to enjoy.
