Tucked into the vast Green Swamp, just inside the Sumter County line, this state-of-the-art fish hatchery and research facility might seem an unlikely birding spot. Instead, its 60-plus ponds offer a begrudging buffet to wading birds.Take time to enjoy the impressive display aquarium; an overlook for watching fish production activities is also provided.
Located in the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, the Flying Eagle Preserve is a mosaic of small lakes, marshes and swamps with scattered islands of forested uplands. Visitors have 16 miles of marked, multi-use trails and roads to wander (13 miles can be biked). This site offers a variety of camping options: group, primitive, backcountry and equestrian.Check with FWC for hunting dates, regulations, and more information.
Lake Panasoffkee WMA is a popular hunting and equestrian destination as well as an Important Bird Area. Birding is best here in cool weather, and 18 miles of multiuse trails provide plenty of options. The WMA is closed during special opportunity hunts. Check with FWC for hunting dates, regulations, and more information.
If you're in Sumter County, stop by and check the shoreline of this small county park for Limpkin, Snowy Egret, Belted Kingfisher, Wood Duck and other waterbirds. A boat launch allows access to a tributary of Lake Panasoffkee, and the adjacent hardwood hammock makes birding the edges of the property worthwhile in migration.
The relatively undeveloped Upper Withlacoochee River is cold and swift, and it provides a great wildlife viewing experience for boaters. Withlacoochee is a Native American word meaning "crooked river" and it certainly lives up to its name! As you drift through the cypress-laden floodplain, keep your eyes and ears open.
Tucked into the vast Green Swamp, just inside the Sumter County line, this state-of-the-art fish hatchery and research facility might seem an unlikely birding spot. Instead, its 60-plus ponds offer a begrudging buffet to wading birds.Take time to enjoy the impressive display aquarium; an overlook for watching fish production activities is also provided.
Located in the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, the Flying Eagle Preserve is a mosaic of small lakes, marshes and swamps with scattered islands of forested uplands. Visitors have 16 miles of marked, multi-use trails and roads to wander (13 miles can be biked). This site offers a variety of camping options: group, primitive, backcountry and equestrian.Check with FWC for hunting dates, regulations, and more information.
Lake Panasoffkee WMA is a popular hunting and equestrian destination as well as an Important Bird Area. Birding is best here in cool weather, and 18 miles of multiuse trails provide plenty of options. The WMA is closed during special opportunity hunts. Check with FWC for hunting dates, regulations, and more information.
If you’re in Sumter County, stop by and check the shoreline of this small county park for Limpkin, Snowy Egret, Belted Kingfisher, Wood Duck and other waterbirds. A boat launch allows access to a tributary of Lake Panasoffkee, and the adjacent hardwood hammock makes birding the edges of the property worthwhile in migration.
The relatively undeveloped Upper Withlacoochee River is cold and swift, and it provides a great wildlife viewing experience for boaters. Withlacoochee is a Native American word meaning “crooked river” and it certainly lives up to its name! As you drift through the cypress-laden floodplain, keep your eyes and ears open.
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Russell Office Park
1875 Orange Ave. East
Tallahassee, FL 32311