Birding Southwest Florida
SWFL Bird Trails Nature Viewing Birdwatching Areas Audubon Society
Welcome to beautiful Southwest Florida – the Paradise Coast is a fantastic place to go birding. The Great Florida Birding Trail offers easy-to-access birding opportunities, nature walks, and Audubon Society Sanctuary Boardwalks.
Birding in Florida’s Paradise Coast is full of surprises with nearly 200 species of birds flying, living, and visiting southwest Florida. Corkscrew Sanctuary in Immokalee is a breeding ground for wood storks and other migrating birds.
Bird Florida – and be prepared for a “fall-out” – a sudden arrival of migratory birds that will suddenly descend on a particular area. This phenomenon can be startling but provides for an unforgettable birding experience.
Southwest Florida locations for birdwatching are unmatched in the US and are one of the top birding locations in the world. Enjoy our Florida Birding suggestions and thank you for visiting. Share your favorite Florida birding trails or local business, contact us.
Discovering Avian Wonders: Southwest Florida’s Bird Trails
SW FLORIDA BIRDING – BIRDWATCHING & BIRDING TRAILS
Within the captivating landscapes of Southwest Florida is a paradise for birdwatchers, beckoning enthusiasts to explore the region’s rich avian diversity.
Let’s unlock the secrets of Southwest Florida Bird Trails, spotlighting the best birding locations. From the urban allure of Naples to the untamed wilderness of the Everglades National Park, and extending to hidden gems like Immokalee, the vibrant Marco Island, and the charming Bonita Springs area, each locale reveals a unique tapestry of birdlife waiting to be discovered.
Southwest Florida, a haven for birdwatchers, unfolds a story of biodiversity and natural beauty. This guide aims to weave together the enchanting tale of Southwest Florida Bird Trails, showcasing prominent birding locations and offering insights into the diverse avian wonders that grace the region.
Naples: Urban Elegance Meets Avian Splendor
Overview of Naples Birding Scene
Naples, with its sophisticated ambiance, presents a unique blend of urban charm and natural wonders, creating a haven for birdwatchers.
Prominent Birding Spots in Naples
Discover the allure of Naples’ birding spots, including the renowned Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, the enchanting Naples Botanical Garden, and the coastal beauty at Clam Pass Park.
Unique Bird Species in Naples
Naples is home to a diverse avian population, from the vibrant Painted Bunting to the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo, offering Southwest Florida birdwatchers unique and captivating sightings.
Everglades National Park: Nature’s Grand Canvas
Introduction to Everglades National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Everglades National Park is a vast sanctuary, providing refuge for numerous bird species within its unique ecosystem.
Birding Opportunities Within the Park
Explore the iconic Anhinga Trail and Shark Valley Observation Tower, offering unparalleled views and opportunities to witness wading birds in their natural habitat.
Importance of the Everglades Ecosystem for Birds
Delve into the intricate relationship between the Everglades ecosystem and the diverse avian species that depend on its preservation.
Exploring Birding Sites in Immokalee
While lesser-known, Immokalee reveals hidden birding gems, with locations like Lake Trafford providing birdwatchers with unique perspectives.
Lesser-Known Bird Species in the Area
Highlighting the charm of Immokalee’s avian residents, including the striking Florida Scrub-Jay and the elegant Snail Kite.
Community Initiatives for Bird Conservation
Discover how local communities actively contribute to the preservation of bird habitats in Immokalee.
Marco Island: A Coastal Haven for Birds
Birding on Marco Island
Explore the coastal allure of Marco Island, with its pristine beaches and diverse birding opportunities, including the renowned Tigertail Beach.
Unique Coastal Bird Species
Spot unique coastal species such as the Reddish Egret and the American Oystercatcher, making Marco Island a must-visit for coastal birdwatching.
Bonita Springs Area: A Charming Retreat for Bird Enthusiasts
Birding in Bonita Springs
Discover the birding treasures tucked away in the Bonita Springs area, including the scenic Bonita Beach Park and the bird-rich Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park.
Charming Bird Species in Bonita Springs
Encounter charming species like the Roseate Spoonbill and the Painted Bunting that grace the skies of Bonita Springs.
Rookery Bay: A Sanctuary for Coastal Birds
Birding in Rookery Bay
Explore the coastal wonders of Rookery Bay, a pristine estuarine reserve offering a haven for shorebirds and waterfowl.
Notable Coastal Bird Species
Spot elegant coastal birds such as the Black Skimmer and the Great Blue Heron, making Rookery Bay an essential stop for coastal birdwatching.
Audubon Society Birding: Fostering Community Connections
The Role of the Audubon Society in Southwest Florida
Explore the significant contributions of the Audubon Society to bird conservation and education in the region.
Participating in Audubon-Led Birding Events
Engage in the sense of community fostered by the Audubon Society through various birding events.
Conservation Efforts by the Audubon Society
Highlighting specific initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving critical bird habitats in Southwest Florida.
Tiger Tail Beach
168 Royal Palm Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
Tidal pools provide food for local and migrating species like Osprey, Eagles, and others. Endangered piping plovers stroll the sands on the north end of Tiger Tail.
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
375 Sanctuary Rd
Naples, FL 34120-4865
Open ⋅ 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tel. (239) 348-9151
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Tower Road, Naples, FL
Tel. (239) 530-5972
Roam 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands, and the protected waters of Rookery Bay. Located where the freshwater rivers and streams meet the ocean. Rookery Bay provides a unique habitat for Southwest Florida wildlife. View more than 150 species of birds and other wildlife, including threatened and endangered animals. There is a handicapped-accessible walking trail.
CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail
1295 Shady Hollow Blvd W, Naples, FL 34120
Tel. (239) 657-2253
Web. https://crewtrust.org/
Hours: One hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Admission: Free. Donations accepted. Open to the public. The Bird Rookery Swamp Trail officially opened in July 2011. The Bird Rookery Swamp Trail offers 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, including a 1500-ft. boardwalk with wheelchair accessibility.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
11135 Gulfshore Drive
Naples FL 34108
The picnic area includes grills and restrooms. Walk the beach slowly to view sanderlings, seagulls, osprey, willets, and terns
Admission: $6.00 per vehicle. Note: Exact change or credit cards only.
BIRDING BINOCULARS
Island Bike Shops (2 Locations) 1095 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-394-8400 & 4342 Thomasson Dr., Naples, FL 34112 | 239-732-8400
At Island Bike Shops we make your visit fun. Reserve your rental online. Check our selection of bicycle rentals, electric bikes, motor scooters, trailers, and more. Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the diversity of Southwest Florida. Our large or small group bicycle tours can accommodate all cycling levels as we personally escort you through Naples, Historic Old Naples, Marco Island, or the Natural Everglades.
Visit Island Bike Shops - Marco Island & Naples
Naples Bicycle Tours, Naples, FL 34113 | 239-580-7960
Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for visitors and residents to experience Marco Island, the Natural Florida Everglades, and Historic Old Naples up close and personal, on a bicycle. All bike tours include everything needed for an amazing bicycling adventure: custom-fit cycle, helmet, drinks, snacks, and a certified FL naturalist guide.
Naples Bicycle Tours - Naples, FL
BIRDING ESSENTIALS
Photo | Title | Buy |
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Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 8x42 | On Sale | |
Nikon 16000 PROSTAFF 7S 8x30 Inches Compact Binocular (Black) | On Sale | |
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binocular | Waterproof, fogproof, Rubber-Armored Binocular with ED Glass, Long Eye Relief | Official Nikon USA Model | On Sale | |
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binocular Bundle with Nikon Lens Pen and Binocular Harness - Compact, Lightweight Binoculars for Adults Essentials for Hunting, Bird Watching, Hiking (3 Items) | On Sale | |
Nikon COOLPIX P950 - Black | On Sale | |
Nikon Z 50 with Wide-Angle Zoom Lens | Compact mirrorless stills/video camera with 16-50mm lens | Nikon USA Model | On Sale | |
Nikon Monarch FIELDSCOPE 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 , Black | On Sale | |
Nikon ACULON A30 10x25 Black Binocular | Dual hinge design, Fully multi-coated lightweight Binocular, Smooth Central Focus Knob | Official Nikon USA Model | On Sale | |
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras | On Sale | |
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/5.6E Pf ED VR Super-Telephoto Lens Black | On Sale | |
Celestron – Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding Binocular – Fully Multi-Coated with BaK-4 Prisms – Rubber Armored – Fog & Waterproof Binoculars – Top Pick Optics | On Sale | |
Celestron – Nature DX 12x56 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding Binocular – Fully Multi-Coated with BaK-4 Prisms – Rubber Armored – Fog & Waterproof Binoculars – Top Pick Optics | On Sale | |
Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 8x42 | On Sale | |
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8x42 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Non-slip Grip, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Included GlassPak - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty | On Sale | |
12X50 Professional UHD Binoculars for Adults with Phone Adapter, High Power Binoculars with BaK4 prisms, Super Bright Lightweight & Waterproof Binoculars Perfect for Bird Watching, Hunting, Stargazing | On Sale | |
Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD Binoculars, 15x56mm (172457) | On Sale | |
Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scope 15-45x65 Angled | On Sale | |
Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars 8x42 | On Sale | |
ZEISS Victory SF Binoculars, 8x42 | On Sale | |
Sig Sauer ZULU6 16x42mm Schmidt-Pechan Prism Binoculars, Image Stabilized, Graphite, SOZ61601 | On Sale | |
Swarovski Optik 15x56 SLC Series Water Proof Roof Prism Binocular with 4.5 Degree Angle of View, Green | On Sale | |
Leica 10x42 Noctivid Binoculars | On Sale | |
Retro Birding Bird Watching Nerd | Funny Bird Watcher T-Shirt | On Sale | |
100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Turn Your Home Garden into a Healthy Bird Habitat | On Sale |
Contact Us
Paradise Coast Living
SW FL ATTRACTIONS
Avi's Water Sports Jet Ski Adventure Tours, Caxambas Park, 909 Collier Ct., Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-777-9873
Avi's is a family-owned business that offers some of the most exciting dolphin jet ski tours and jet ski rental adventures on Marco Island. You are invited to take an exciting journey with Avi "The Dolphin Whisperer" and take home a complimentary flash drive of photos from your adventure. Bring the family and make lasting memories. Contact us to book your dolphin Jet Ski tour.
Avi's Water Sports & Jet Ski Adventure Tours - Marco Island, FL
Marco Island Princess / Sunshine Tours, Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island FL 34145 | 239-642-5415
The Marco Island Princess is a 90' luxury yacht offering daily Sightseeing, Lunch and Sunset Dinner Cruises. All of our delicious meals are prepared fresh on board for your enjoyment. Our professional and friendly crew will attend to your every need. Two full service cash bars serving up all of your favorite drinks! Also available for Weddings and Private Charters. Marco Island's most unique dining experience!
Visit The Marco Island Princess - Marco Island, FL
Go Cats On The Water 2200 Tamiami Trail E, Collier Seminole State Park, Naples, FL | 239-748-4099
Marco and Naples Most Exciting Boat Tour. Explore the backwater and mangroves for an unforgettable adventure in Southwest Florida. Everglades Backwater Sightseeing Eco-Tours in our safe, and easy to drive boats. Choose a 75 minute or a 2.5 hour tour. Our custom Go-Cat boats are fun for all ages and can easily be operated by both younger adults and seniors. Kayak, and Canoe rentals now available.
GoCatsOnTheWater.com - Naples, FL
Naples Bicycle Tours, Naples, FL 34113 | 239-580-7960
Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for visitors and residents to experience Marco Island, the Natural Florida Everglades, and Historic Old Naples up close and personal, on a bicycle. All bike tours include everything needed for an amazing bicycling adventure: custom-fit cycle, helmet, drinks, snacks, and a certified FL naturalist guide.
Naples Bicycle Tours - Naples, FL
Island Bike Shops (2 Locations) 1095 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-394-8400 & 4342 Thomasson Dr., Naples, FL 34112 | 239-732-8400
At Island Bike Shops we make your visit fun. Reserve your rental online. Check our selection of bicycle rentals, electric bikes, motor scooters, trailers, and more. Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the diversity of Southwest Florida. Our large or small group bicycle tours can accommodate all cycling levels as we personally escort you through Naples, Historic Old Naples, Marco Island, or the Natural Everglades.
Visit Island Bike Shops - Marco Island & Naples
Bicycles
- STABILIZED Counteracts hand shake and other environmental factors to steady the view and ranging laser
- DUAL LOCKED ON ECHO Visual and audio cue that you are ranging the flag and not something behind it
- HYPER READ laser provides quick and stable measurement response regardless of the distance in .3 seconds or less
- Waterproof and Fogproof
- ID TECHNOLOGY Delivers the one number you need for your best shot to account for incline or decline shooting angles
- The ultimate on-the-water viewing companions. Even in the most challenging conditions, our ever-popular H2O binoculars stay on board and in your hands with a Soft Texture Grip. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, stunning views are assured no matter how wet they get. Updated lightweight aluminum chassis allows for ease and comfort viewing in the field. And to maximize light transmission and clarity, fully multicoated optics and premium quality BaK-4 prism glass are included
- WATERPROOF AND FOGPROOF CONSTRUCTION IPX7 waterproof construction is tested by submerging at 1 meter for 30 minutes without any penetration. The incorporation of IPX7 rating means these binoculars are ready to take on the nastiest conditions and the roughest elements
- FULLY MULTI-COATED, ALL GLASS OPTICS SYSTEM An all glass, fully multi-coated optical system combined with BAK-4 Prisms enhances contrast, resolution, and light transmission
- NON-SLIP AGGRESSIVE TEXTURE FOR CONFIDENT GRIP AND RUBBER HOUSING FOR DROP PROTECTION Updated ergonomics with non-slip soft touch rubber and easy grip texture. Easy grip runners where grip counts and texture along the sides and bridge of the binocular reduce the chance of dropping and give a confident in-hand feel….even with one hand
- UPDATED LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM BODY CONSTRUCTION FOR UNMATCHED DURABILITY AND ALL-DAY COMFORT Aluminum chassis adds confident durability that these binoculars can take the abuse of even the most grueling conditions. By reducing the weight of the body, you can use these binoculars comfortably all day…everyday
- Bushnell Poweview 2 is a trusted line of Binoculars from a USA company that has been serving the outdoor and wildlife enthusiast for more than 70 years
- LONG LASTING DURABLILITY: Aluminum alloy chassis provides durability without adding unnecessary weight and bulk
- MODERN EXTERIOR DESIGN: High quality, soft touch rubber and brushed metal texture finishes provide the classic performance in a great looking, modern design
- EASY TO USE AND CONFIDENT GRIP: Updated ergonomics with soft touch rubber and easy grip texture along the sides of the binocular, and on the bridge, reduce the chance of dropping and give a confident hand feel, even with one hand
- GREAT IMAGE QUALITY WITH SHARP FOCUS: Multi-coated optics draw an incredible amount of light for clear, vibrant images, even in low-light. Ultra-smooth focus wheel allows you to focus in on your subject quickly for perfect definition when you need it
- Superb ranging accuracy and advanced optics combine to make the best of both worlds in Bushnell’s Fusion X 10X42mm Ranging Binocular. Our HDOS—High-Definition Optical System—provides optimum viewing clarity, while the one-of-a-kind ActivSync Display means you’ll never again have trouble reading the ranging readout
- The Fusion X give you the all-day viewing comfort of 10x42 binoculars while giving you the ability to range on the spot and not miss an opportunity. This means no more eye strain trying to observe through a traditional rangefinder, and no more wasted time switching from binoculars to your rangefinder while letting that buck slip away
- ARC Technology with +/- 1-degree angle accuracy – ARC (Angle Range Compensation) simultaneously gives you true horizontal distance as well as line of site distance making your up and downhill shots just as accurate as those on level ground
- ActivSync Reticle Technology – Auto-adjusting black-to-red reticle and display fluidly morphs to your background for maximum contrast and visibility in all conditions
- Waterproof Construction - Your hunt won't be over just because the Fusion X gets wet thanks to the IPX7 waterproof construction. The Fusion X can be submerged at 1 meter for 30 minutes without compromising the integrity of the glass or electronics
- THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE TOP-SELLING COOLSHOT 20, NOW WITH SLOPE AND WITH INCREASED RANGE AND SUPERIOR ACCURACY: Range of 6-800 yards, displaying in 1-yard increments and accurate to 1-yard (under 100 yards), and 2-yard (over 100 yards). Yard/Meter
- DUAL DISPLAY - SLOPE ADJUSTED (PLAY-AS), AND STRAIGHT LINE DISTANCES. Incredibly fast, accurate distance measurements for every shot— even those involving slope. Featuring Nikon’s ID Technology for stress-free club selection for a shot w/elevation change.
- COOLSHOT 20i GII eliminates second-guessing on how far uphill or downhill a shot will play. With so many unforgiving elements on a golf course, don’t let elevation change be one of them.
- ENGINEERED AND BACKED BY NIKON – A 100+ YEAR OLD OPTICS AND TECHNOLOGY LEADER. Industry Leading 5-year . Rainproof (IPx4).
- NIKON OPTICS FOR BOTH THE VIEWER AND THE LASER. Nikon quality 6x optical monocular with multilayer coating for bright, clear images. Eyepiece Focus Diopter to focus to your own exact vision. Long Eye Relief (20mm) for use with sunglasses or eyeglasses.
- ADVANCED PIN IDENTIFICATION AND QUICK MULTI-TARGET MAPPING – Single or Continuous measurement (up to 8 seconds) allows for quick, easy measurements to multiple targets, without the wait for a secondary indicator, such as a vibration or LED.
- FIRST TARGET PRIORITY automatically displays the range to the first/nearest target among the multiple measurements obtained. This assures that the measurement shown is the pin, and not any objects in the background.