Nature/Hiking Locations

Marl Bed Flats
Eastern Phoebe at Marl Bed Flats
Over the last three years or so of living in Florida, I've developed a list of favorite places that I like to go to at different times during the year. I spend most of my time in Seminole and Orange Counties, and I thought it would be good to compile a list of my favorite places here.  I have links here field reports for all these locations, and for some I've written guides so that others can benefit from these places as well. Most of these are in Seminole Co, but I plan on expanding into Orange Co. and other locations in Central Florida. I also wrote an post a couple years ago on the spirituality of space if you're interested.

Florida
Seminole County:
Orange County:
  • Orlando Wetlands Park [Field Reports]: A birder's paradise, especially for waders.
  • Mead Botanical Gardens [Field Reports]: One of the best places for migrants in Orange Co.
  • Wekiwa Spring State Park [Field Reports]: There are lots of recreational activities here, but I like the wildlife viewing opportunities here a lot.
  • Lake Apopka Loop Trail [Field Reports]: The Best Place I know to find vagrants in Orange Co.
  • Hal Scott Preserve [Field Reports]: Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are only one of the fun birds to find here.
Brevard/Volusia Counties:
  • Merritt Island NWR [Field Reports]: Probably the best overall birding location within an hour's drive of my house.
  • Viera Wetlands [Field Reports]: A wonderful place for wading birds, ducks and shorebirds, especially at the "click" ponds across the road.
  • Jetty Park [Field Reports]: Other than the cost to get in, this is a fabulous place for gulls and other sea birds.
  • Ponce Inlet [Field Reports]: A great place for gulls and sea birds.
Osceola/Polk Counties:
  • East Lake Tohopekaliga [Field Reports]: The closest place to my home that's reliable for Snail Kites.
  • Joe Overstreet Road and Landing [Field Reports]: While standing in one spot, I saw a Long-billed Curlew and a Crested Caracara.
  • Three Lakes WMA [Field Reports]: Best place I know for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.
  • Circle B Bar Reserve [Field Reports]: A wonderful place to visit; my favorite in Polk Co.
Other Florida Counties:

Maryland & Virginia