Visited universal studios today and spotted a broad winged hawk perched on one of the rides, watched it for 15 mins while we had lunch as it kept an eye on the crowds below. later in the afternoon something caught my eye flying into a tree, presume it to be the same bird ,as i got closer it flew down next to a table that a family were eating from and stole some food off the floor before flying off. i suppose it was not true bird spotting, but this bird which migrates from more northern parts of the states has found a regular food source, i guess i was in the right place at the right time. yesterday while enjoying blizzard beach water park a mocking bird was spotted flying in and out of a nest feeding 2 young.
Hi all , we are in the middle of our trip to orlando, not done as much birding as i had hoped but here are the highlights so far. northern cardinal feeding around one of the cafes in magic kingdom along with white ibis, a flock of around 40 black vultures circling above thunder mountain rail road ride. one belted kingfisher hunting on the creek across the road from our hotel . visited kennedy space centre on monday and its vast wildlife rich open spaces did not let us down , red tailed hawk, a fantastic looking loggerhead shrike, no bald eagle but a nest which has been occupied for around about the last 20 years. The best bit for me though so far was the three ospreys, 2 perched opposite the vehicle assembly building [ were the space shuttle gets kitted out before moving to launch pad ] , and one sat on a flag pole next to the old shuttle that they allow you to get up close and personal with , even when i was standing at the base of pole it did not fly off.
I've a couple of site guides to Florida (bought when I was planning a trip that never happened!) - you are more than welcome to borrow them if you'd like.
Been a few years since I was last there but Gatorland (Orange Blossom Trail - they have a website, etc) was excellent for most of the breeding herons. Anhinga on the artificial lake, Black and Turkey Vulture. Plus - entertaining for the rest of the family. IIRC Bald Eagles will have left the nest by then but they're common enough. Enjoy - I'd love to go back.
And of course if you happen to be going to any of the Disney resorts keep an eye open for birds around the parks. Last year I had very close views of Red Ibis, Ring Billed Gull, Laughing Gull, Green Heron, Great Egret and Great Blue Heron.....
Swallow Tailed Kite is a must to see....what a cracking bird that is. Also on Cocoa Beach I had Royal Tern and Willet, literally 4 feet away whilst sun bathing!!!!
ospreys are common as muck over there. Bald eagles are more common than you think they will be! I also remeber seeing swallow tailed kites in key west(south) also try and visit Sanibel island (near naples) - there are literally too many birds (especially waders) there!And also visit the Naples Conservancy Bird reserve if you can get there. Hiring a car is a must though. Can't remember much else, but theres lots there!
I would recommend 'A Birder's Guide to Florida' by Bill Pranty, in the American Birding Association series - Invaluable.
Are you hiring a car? If so there are literally hundreds of recommended places, but if you only go to one take a trip to Merritt Island on the east coast and do the Black Point Wildlife Drive. You will probably want to see NASA's Kennedy Space Centre anyway whilst you are there, worth a visit quite apart from the excellent birding.
I'll send you a PM.
Cheers, John
-- Edited by John Rayner on Monday 30th of March 2009 08:20:57 PM
Hi all,holidaying in orlando with the family at the end of july , hoping to do some birdwatching in between the usual tourist stuff and would welcome any advice on birds to see, best places to go etc thanks in advance dave.
. Bald eagles are more common than you think they will be! I also remeber seeing swallow tailed kites in key west(south) also try and visit Sanibel island (near naples) - there are literally too many birds (especially waders) there!And also visit the Naples Conservancy Bird reserve if you can get there. Hiring a car is a must though. Can't remember much else, but theres lots there!