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Fort De Soto Park - We’ll be taking a 5-hour birding tour of Fort De Soto Park. We’ll drive to each stop within the park then get out and hike around in different habitats including forest, beach, and grass picnic area. There is also a paved area around the fort itself. Starting with the north shore beach at sunrise, we should see plenty of shorebirds ie Piping Plover, Snowy Plover, American Oystercatcher, Reddish Egret, and Marbled Godwit to name a few.
We’ll then move on to the fort area itself to check the beach for Common Loon, Whimbrel, and Red-breasted Merganser. The forested area adjacent to the fort is a hotspot for migratory songbirds, especially warblers.
The rangers house and hiking trail usually boasts the best songbirds in the park. We’ll stop here and look for Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, warblers, buntings, and vireos that are attracted to the fresh water fountains and Mulberry trees.
We’ll finish up with a stop at the East Beach to view the Nanday Parakeets.
- Shared eBird checklist of bird species spotted
- Complimentary bottled water
- Snacks included
- Lunch
Fort De Soto Park, situated uniquely on the Gulf of Mexico, is recognized as one of Florida’s premier birdwatching locales. The diversity of bird species is particularly notable during April and October, corresponding with the spring and autumn migrations. This piece of land represents the first stop for birds journeying across the gulf. The variety of birds you can observe here is impressive, from shorebirds, wading birds, and resident songbirds to neotropical migrants journeying to or from the Caribbean and Central America. For the remainder of the year, expect to see ducks and loons in the winter months, and breeding bird species in the summer. The park is also noted for its rare bird species and transient species that drift through Florida. For photography enthusiasts, the morning light on the beach provides a picturesque backdrop as small shorebirds scavenge along the wrack line.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
