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. Visitors can immerse in a natural wonder as they 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 forests.

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! Birdwatchers will find popular attractions like Weeki Wachee Springs State Park without the crowds, and comfortable weather to spend time outdoors. The 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 Weeki Wachee 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 Kestrels, and Bachman’s Sparrows. Other birds that nest in the Croom Tract include the Swallow-tailed Kite, Wild Turkey, Yellow-billed 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 habitats 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 habitats 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 A Birding Adventure

Ready to embark on an unforgettable birding adventure? Grab the 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, and sunscreen, and respect the wildlife by watching from a distance.

Plan The Perfect Birding Getaway

After a day of birding, relax and recharge at one of the area’s charming accommodations, savor the local cuisine, and explore the region’s history.

For More Information:

Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau

Website: https://floridasadventurecoast.com/

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Company Name: Florida's Adventure Coast
Contact Person: Aline Gill
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Website: https://floridasadventurecoast.com/blog/