Kissimmee Lakefront Park

Situated on the north end of Lake Tohopekaliga (known to most as Lake Toho), this narrow, shoreline park offers great birding. Two jetties, three fishing piers and a nearly 1-mile paved sidewalk along Lakeshore Blvd. give outstanding viewing opportunities for Snail Kites, Limpkins, Wood Storks, and Fulvous Whistling-Ducks (early morning and late evening are best for this species). Snail Kites often roost on the small, grassy islands of vegetation, sometimes viewable with just binoculars (though a spotting scope is helpful) from the sidewalk on the northern end of the park. Check the live oaks along the lake’s edge and in the center of the park for warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall migration. Boat-tailed Grackles are common, as are Snowy Egrets. Purple Martins, Ospreys and Bald Eagles, which cruise over the lake on a regular basis. Scan the vegetation along the lake edge for wintering Sedge Wrens and Purple Gallinules are present year round. If you are really lucky you may spot one of the resident River Otters. Boat ramps at the parking area provide access to those who want to explore the lake; this park is also the recommended launching point for visiting Makinson Island Conservation Area.