Locations

Florida’s Central East Coast- Profile for Birders

February 19, 2026 by Editor No Comments

Highlights

The state of Florida is the 3rd most populous in the USA, both in terms of population and number of bird species present. This huge peninsula has more than 500 species of birds and makes for a great winter getaway. Wading birds, herons, egrets, spoonbills, and shorebirds are visible anywhere there is water. Lesser-seen species such as shrikes, warblers, owls, and other raptors can be viewed as well – if you know where to go. Many natural places and parks offer boardwalks over wetland areas to make access easier for birders and bird photographers.

Loggerhead Shrike, Florida’s Central East Coast

Osprey with captured fish, Florida’s Central East Coast

Key Bird Species and Families

  • Finches, Blackbirds
  • Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
  • Storks, Cranes
  • Terns, Gulls
  • Ibises, Limpkins, Spoonbills
  • Rails (Sora)
  • Gallinules, Coots, Ducks
  • Plovers, Turnstones, Sandpipers (Sanderling)
  • Osprey
  • Bald Eagles, Hawks, Owls (Burrowing, Barred)
  • Warblers, Vireos, Wrens

Barred Owl, Florida’s Central East Coast

Best Regions for Birding

  • Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Renowned for its 7-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive, this area is essential for spotting Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, Wood Storks, and migrating shorebirds.
  • Blue Cypress Lake: Well-known and excellent for nesting Osprey, herons, egrets, hawks (Red-shouldered), Barred Owls.
  • Lake Apopka North Shore: A top hotspot for diverse species, including high counts of king rails, Purple Gallinules, and Limpkins.
  • Stick Marsh: Good park for walking to see Roseate Spoonbills, rails, herons, ibis, egrets, Painted Buntings, woodpeckers.
  • Savannas Preserve State Park: Offers wetland and coastal bird areas for herons, wading birds, birds of prey, and Florida’s only endemic species, the Florida Scrub Jay.
  • Orlando Wetlands Park: Offers excellent boardwalks for viewing PurpleGallinules, Spoonbills, and other wetland birds, with tram tours available.
  • Sebastian Inlet State Park: A prime spot for shorebirds, terns, Pelicans, Osprey, Ibis, herons, and egrets.

Roseate Spoonbill, Florida’s Central East Coast

Best Birding Season

The best and really only time to visit this region of Florida is during the winter season from December until May. Peak nesting season is February to May.

Snowy Egret in flight, Florida’s Central East Coast

Birding Trip Suggestion(s)

This is a large region, and many areas are quite built up and populated. A rental car or private transportation is necessary. Visit locations either early in the morning or during the last couple of hours before sunset. Go with a local guide for the best experience and to find difficult birds. For a guided bird photography tour, go with www.DonMammoserPhoto.com. Allow yourself at least 5 days or even a week to visit the best of Florida’s central east coast.

Sandhill Crane with chick, Florida’s Central East Coast

Practical Tips

Many areas have boardwalks over the wetlands. Use these to gain access to hard-to-reach places. Stay in hotels or motels that are close to the suggested birding locations in order to avoid traffic and to be able to arrive early on site. Consider hiring a boat on Lake Apopka or Blue Cypress Lake.

Sanderling, Florida’s Central East Coast

Books

Birds of Florida Field Guide by Stan Tekiela

Links

By Don Mammoser

Don Mammoser is the owner and tour leader for Don Mammoser Photo Tours and can be reached at: don@donmammoserphoto.com