Manatee

THE FLORIDA BIRDING TRAIL

Your Adventure Awaits

Home to more than 500 species of birds, Florida is a paradise for bird and wildlife watching. Its diverse ecosystems range from wetlands and coastal shores to pine forests and grasslands.
Sanderling

Upcoming Events

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

North Shore Birding Festival

December 4-8, 2025
Participate in field trips on the Lake Apopka North Shore property and other Central Florida sites.
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Black Skimmer

Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival

January 21-26, 2026
Curious to learn about the natural side of our state?
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Everglades Observation Tower

Florida Birding & Nature Festival

April 9-12, 2026
Come celebrate the wonders of the birds, wildlife, and natural lands that we enjoy in West Central Florida.
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News

Kite Tales

Vermillion Flycacher by Andy Wraithmell

Rarities: What are they and what should you do if you find one?

In the birding world “rarities” are birds that are rare or unusual to spot, and few things delight birders more than finding one.
Jay Watch Volunteers in the field.

Jay Watch: How Community Science Helps Protect a Federally Threatened Bird

Jay Watch is a great opportunity for anyone to get involved in conservation. Volunteers map the territory of individual Scrub-jay families. Surveys are done from predetermined points to determine the boundaries of different family groups.
Florida Grasshopper Sparrow buzzing.

Release of the 1,000th Captive Bred Grasshopper Sparrow

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and partners began a captive breeding program in 2015. On July 16, 2024, this program celebrated the release of its 1,000th captive-bred Florida Grasshopper Sparrow.

A Beginner’s Guide to Birding


Birding is a wonderful hobby that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re watching birds from your window or exploring new places, every bird you see adds to your experience and knowledge. So grab your binoculars, head outside, and start your birding adventure today!

Wings Over Florida

Wings Over Florida is a free bird and butterfly listing program that rewards individuals for their viewing achievements.  Certificates are awarded to those who reach milestones in their Florida Life List which is the total number of species observed in Florida.  We also award Big Year certificates, which highlight the number of bird or butterfly species observed in a single calendar year. Apply for a certificate to learn more about certificate eligibility.

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Wings Over Florida certificate
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Gear

Support The Trail
Florida Birding Trail Gear

Made Possible By

The Trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The Trail is possible thanks to dozens of federal, state, and local government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private landowners.

Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida logo
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission logo