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If someone was going to Florida to experience the nature of the area and was a keen bird spotter where does anyone recommend they visit?
huckleberry house
23-07-2005, 00:52
Hi Millie
There are all sorts of wild birds in Florida, we see literally hundreds from our pool deck including bald eagles, and Osprey dive into the lake all day catching fish, it takes your breath away at times.It is very usual to see sandcranes and wild turkeys just walking around the homes. There are so many I have a bird book and binoculars in my home for guests to do a bit of spotting while they lounge. Is there anything in particular you are keen on seeing ?
Lesley
Lake Louisa state park on the northbound US-27 is fantastic. There are quite a few parks round about but we love it there.
link edited because of links]
jolliffee
23-07-2005, 02:30
This is a nice place for a stroll: [website link edited]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by jolliffee
This is a nice place for a stroll [website link edited]
[/quote]Why would Millie want to take a walk in a nudist restort? I don't think that's the kind of nature she had in mind!
Well, there's Reedy Creek Nature Reserve on Poinciana Boulevard which is open to the public at weekends or there's Disney Wilderness Preserve in Poinciana - both teeming with birds and other sorts of wildlife.
Like Lesley's, our pool deck is like a nature watch window where you can see herons, cranes, egrets, bald and golden eagles, vultures, anhinga plus loads more around and about. Because of the nearness of the huge wildlife conservation area, there's plenty to spot!
Try here for more info. http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida_guide/florida_wildlife.aspx
Check out some of the photos in the Photo Gallery section.
Wild life on 'The Real Florida' Pt 1 and 2 and Lake Louisa on 'After the Hurricane'
Robert5988
23-07-2005, 03:33
Less than an hour from Orlando on the East coast(near the Space centre) is Merrit Island Reserve. take SR528 East - I95 North and come off at J220. Any amount of birds also Manatees, Aligators etc. Costs nothing to get in, but no refreshments on Reserve so take take a picnic.
The reserve centre has free maps showing trails - some you can drive around.
I have been to Merrit Island Reserve on several occasions well worth a visit - but don't forget your bug spray!
steve404
24-07-2005, 18:48
Millie,
Try Caladesi Island near Clearwater, you may come face to face with the best in Floridas animal residents,
Steve
linda allen
24-07-2005, 18:58
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
Less than an hour from Orlando on the East coast(near the Space centre) is Merrit Island Reserve. take SR528 East - I95 North and come off at J220. Any amount of birds also Manatees, Aligators etc. Costs nothing to get in, but no refreshments on Reserve so take take a picnic.
The reserve centre has free maps showing trails - some you can drive around.
[/quote]
You will get to see lots at Merritt. Well worth a visit. We saw lots of aligators very close up. We were in our car though.
Another nice place is the Ding Darling Nature Reserve on Sanibel Island
alanandjude
25-07-2005, 01:02
For pelicans try Johns Pass just south of Clearwater.
More seabirds than you can shake a stick at.
Alan
eastcoastbranch
25-07-2005, 03:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:If someone was going to Florida to experience the nature of the area and was a keen bird spotter where does anyone recommend they visit?
[/quote]
HOOTERS [beer]
Sorry Millie, couldnt resist it [msnembarrased]
Mark
alanandjude
25-07-2005, 04:27
Beats pelicans any day ![drinkbeer]
orlandobabe
26-07-2005, 00:26
I've been to St John's Pass and counted at least 40 pelicans sat around the boats and the quay.
Lots of bird spotting at the airboat rides-Boggy Creek and Southport Park.
Nice one Mark :D:D:D:D[}:)]