By Stephen Eaton, Licensed Real Estate Broker, Nature-Lover by Default
Florida isn’t just beaches and retirees—it’s a birder’s wonderland. With over 500 bird species calling this state home at some point in the year, you can spot everything from delicate hummingbirds to prehistoric-looking storks… sometimes all from your own backyard.
I didn’t grow up here, but moving to Florida opened my eyes to a whole new world—literally right outside my black door. I live in the trees above a mini swamp and across from a pond. It’s like having front-row seats to a National Geographic special every morning.
The Backyard Birding Life (No Binoculars Needed)
Let me paint a picture:
I’ve seen Great Blue Herons standing statue-still at sunrise, Snowy Egrets poking through the shallows, Red-winged Blackbirds flashing those crimson shoulders from the reeds. Blue Jays squawk from above, Painted Buntings throw little pops of color across the brush, and Woodpeckers go to town like they’re on contract with a tree removal crew.
I’ve spotted a Great Crested Flycatcher, warblers, Cedar Waxwings, Red-tailed Hawks, and even the occasional kite slicing through the sky like it’s got a mission. I once caught a Mockingbird and a Blue Jay having what looked like a full-on midair turf war over a palm tree.
Then there are the mammals—raccoons, voles (yes, voles, not moles), and those little brown marsh rabbits that dart across trails like they’re late for something. I see gators out in the pond, just chilling. It’s wild in the best possible way.
Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I saw every day until I started rattling it off.
And when I go for my morning runs? That’s when I get deep into the woods—and it only gets cooler.
Top Spots in Florida to Level Up Your Birding Game
If you’re ready to get out and explore, these spots are where Florida birding really shines:
- Wakodahatchee Wetlands (Delray Beach) – Nesting herons and egrets right beside the boardwalk.
- Fort De Soto Park (St. Pete) – Migration magic with shorebirds, tanagers, and the occasional rare vagrant.
- Paynes Prairie (Gainesville) – Wild horses, bison, and Limpkins crying like they’re in a jungle.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples) – Ancient cypress forests and neon-colored Painted Buntings.
- Everglades National Park – Snail Kites, Night Herons, gators… basically Jurassic Park but for birders.
A Kitchy Little Tale from the Field
Once, while birding Merritt Island at dawn, a kid yelled, “Look! A flamingo!” Everyone turned, hearts racing… only to realize it was a Roseate Spoonbill. The crowd laughed, someone gave the kid a high five, and now that bird has a new name: Junior Flamingo. People still talk about it. That’s Florida birding—equal parts awe, humor, and weirdly beautiful chaos.
Whether you’re deep in the woods or just chilling on your back deck with a cup of coffee, Florida has a way of putting nature right in front of you—whether you’re looking for it or not.
If you’re moving here or already here and want to find a home where the wildlife comes to you, I can help. I know the trails, I know the trees, and I know the neighborhoods where the herons hunt and the hawks circle.
🌐 www.TheEatonCo.com
📱 561-938-0000
Stephen Eaton – Licensed Real Estate Broker, Florida & Texas
