2001 Reasons Why Florida is a Bird Watcher’s on a Budget’s Paradise

If you ask most people what Florida bird comes to their mind this time of year - they will probably say our "snow bird" - (our affectionate term for the many northern residents who migrate south each year to enjoy our warm Florida weather) however we are also popular with over 500 different species of birds here in Florida.

Most people don't realize that the state of Florida has over 2000 miles of self guided birding trails all along its highways which is known as the Great Florida Bird Trail. The State established and designed these birding trails to promote and help sustain our bird habitat by encouraging bird watching activities along with conservation education. This is especially important as we have 900 new people moving to Florida each day.

So for me the 2001 reasons why Florida is a bird watchers paradise is the 2000 miles of birding trails that are easily accessible to everyone and then reason number 2001 is that it's all FREE! Well if you want to enjoy all our birds with the naked eye then it's free however for less than $60 you can purchase the only 2 basic pieces of equipment you'll need: a good pair of binoculars and a field guide for the birds.

Here's a money saving tip, if you go to the Great Bird Trail website you can actually download a free Birding Trail Guide. It is divided into sections of the state. Here in Pinellas County we are in the West Section. The information for the Great Florida Birding Trail is also available in Spanish.

So as you can see, bird watching is actually one of the most inexpensive activities you can do since there are no golf clubs or golf balls to buy, no expensive memberships needed; no expensive lessons to take...so why not give it a try.

Here in Pinellas County Florida we have several highways that display the Great Bird Trail Markers right along the local highways and roads. Here are the few of the places you can see easily go bird watching: along US Highway 60 about halfway across the highway connecting Clearwater and Tampa Florida; at Ft Desoto State Park with free guides available at the ranger station; in Dunedin along road to Hammock Park and on the causeway heading to Clearwater Beach;

Did you know these Florida bird facts:

• There have been over 500 species of birds spotted in Florida along the trail;
• Florida has over 445 birding sites chosen for their excellent birding opportunities;
• There are over 481 native birds living in Florida
• Florida have 12 non-natives and 4 native birds that are currently on the extinction list and 5 have gone extinct already.
• Florida ranks 3^rd for the state with the greatest number of different bird species

New to Birding? Looking for a fun way to get started? Why not challenge yourself by participating in the Wings Over Florida Program. It's a FREE awards program that encourages you to identify as many Florida native birds as you can. You keep track of the birds you spot and then earn different levels for your birding accomplishments from "Beginner" to "Elite Florida Birder" and you'll be awarded your Florida bird watching certificates based on your accomplishments. So in a day and age when we're all working within a budget it's great to know you can have some FREE fun in Florida by participating in the Wings Over Florida Program.

Have young kids? There is also a program available to introduce those children ages 3rd grade and up to bird watching in Florida. It's called Wings Over Florida Junior Birder Program. (They provide your with a Student / Teacher resource so you can create your own bird scavenger hunt and other fun activities.) Just think, this might be something to consider doing with your grandchildren, house guests or your Florida home schooled children.

Have you ever tried bird-watching? I'd love to hear about your favorite spot or story.

Not into birdwatching then maybe you'll enjoy these other fun things to do in Tampa Bay.