Natural Resources
Birding in Charlotte County
Where to Go | What to See | Birding Links | Overview Map | Bird List | Beach Nesting Birds
What is birding?
Bird watching or birding is the recreational hobby of observing different species of wild birds, including their physical characteristics and behavior. It is a hobby that can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced birders on many levels...from just watching birds through the window to traveling to the other side of the world to see a rare species. Birding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and will help a deep appreciation of nature.
Where can I go birding in Charlotte County?
Visit any of these great parks and preserves in Charlotte County, many of which are along the Great Florida Birding Trail:
Englewood:
Amberjack Environmental Park
Buck Creek Preserve
Cedar Point Environmental Park
Englewood Beach
Oyster Creek Regional Park
Rotonda Park
Thornton Key Preserve
Mid-County:
Audubon-Pennington Nature Park
Bayshore Live Oak Park
Kiwanis Park
Ollie's Pond Park
Sunrise Park
Tippecanoe Environmental Park
Tippecanoe II Mitigation Area
East County:
Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park
Deep Creek Preserve
Hathaway Park
Prairie Creek Preserve
Shell Creek Preserve
What will I see?
The official Florida bird list stands at 485 species making Florida is the most diverse state east of the Mississippi River. Florida's high degree of bird diversity can be attributed to the diversity of habitats, the extent of remaining wildlands, the geographic span of both temperate and subtropical climates, and the location on migration.
Charlotte County has ample opportunities to enjoy birding. Charlotte County's environmental parks and preserves provide a wide variety of habitats that support a diverse assemblage of bird species. There are also a number of state parks surrounding Charlotte Harbor that provide additional birding opportunities. Charlotte County is home to diverse population of birds including Northern Bobwhite, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Reddish Egret, Purple Gallinule, Red-shouldered Hawk, Green Heron, Florida Scrub Jay, Belted Kingfisher, Swallow-tailed Kite, Yellow-crowned Night-heron, Burrowing Owl, American Oystercatcher, White Pelican, Snowy Plover, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Black Skimmer, Bachman's Sparrow, Roseate Spoonbill, Black-necked Stilt, Wood Stork, Royal Tern, White-eyed Vireo, Pine Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker.
All it takes to get started as a birder is binoculars and a simple field guide. Don't forget to take along water, sunscreen and bug spray.
Birds Commonly found on Charlotte County's Environmental Lands
For more information
Natural Resources
2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd
Port Charlotte, FL 33952-5209
941.613.3220
email: Andy.Stevens@charlottefl.com
