11 Wild Creatures You Might Meet on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail

Best Places to See Wildlife in Florida

The Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail (GFBWT) stretches over 2,000 miles across the state, offering a comprehensive journey through Florida’s diverse ecosystems.

With 510 designated sites, the trail showcases a wealth of wildlife, from rare birds to elusive mammals, reptiles, and marine life.

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, this trail provides unparalleled opportunities to witness Florida’s abundant wildlife in their natural habitats. With each stop, you’ll discover something new, from hidden wildlife reserves to bustling estuaries.

Roseate Spoonbills at J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Refuge

Want to see amazing birds up close? Head to Sanibel Island’s “Ding” Darling Refuge.

This 6,400-acre paradise welcomes visitors to watch pink spoonbills, white ibises, and tall blue herons wade through the water. Take a drive or walk along Indigo Trail to spot alligators and manatees.

Winter brings thousands of waterfowl to the area. The refuge’s wet, marshy areas also protect endangered animals like the West Indian Manatee, making it a special place for nature lovers.

American Crocodiles at Everglades National Park

The Everglades stands as one of America’s greatest wild places. This UNESCO site shelters rare animals like the American crocodile and Florida panther.

Want the best wildlife views? Visit the Anhinga Trail, where alligators often sun themselves nearby. At the Flamingo Visitor Center, you might catch dolphins and manatees playing in Florida Bay.

Bird lovers can spot unique species like spoonbills and kites soaring overhead. The vast wetlands teem with life year-round.

Wild Horses at St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks Wildlife Refuge spans 68,000 acres along Florida’s Panhandle. This special place draws thousands of birds to its salt marshes, swamps, and tidal flats.

During spring and fall, watch for rare birds like red knots and black-bellied plovers flying through. Take the Lighthouse or Tower Trail for beautiful Gulf views and chances to see dolphins and manatees.

The mix of different natural areas means you’ll always find something exciting – from alligators swimming to wild horses grazing freely.

Sandhill Cranes at Paynes Prairie Preserve

Just south of Gainesville lies Paynes Prairie Preserve, a hidden treasure on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

This amazing park hosts wild bison, horses, and more than 270 types of birds. Look for fishing ospreys, majestic bald eagles, and tall sandhill cranes walking through the grass. The La Chua Trail offers perfect spots to watch wildlife.

You might see alligators basking in the sun or wild horses roaming the prairie.

Manatees at Black Point Wildlife Drive

Take an exciting 7-mile drive through Merritt Island’s marshes and mudflats. The Black Point Wildlife Drive leads you past pink spoonbills, red-shouldered hawks, and northern harriers flying overhead.

Keep your eyes open for gentle manatees and playful dolphins in the water. Winter brings over 100 different kinds of migrating birds, making this spot a bird watcher’s dream. The changing landscape offers new surprises around every turn.

Alligators at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Lake Apopka’s 11-mile drive shows off Central Florida’s wet wonderland.

This newer addition to the Great Florida Birding Trail lets you see bald eagles, wood storks, and colorful purple gallinules up close. Shallow waters draw many wading birds, especially during migration season.

Look for alligators sunbathing along the banks or wild horses grazing nearby. The peaceful wetlands make a perfect place for taking photos or enjoying quiet nature walks.

Sea Turtles at Canaveral National Seashore

Near Titusville, Canaveral National Seashore offers amazing wildlife views. Winter brings thousands of migrating birds to this special place. Watch for rare red-cockaded woodpeckers and proud bald eagles soaring above.

The clean beaches provide safe spots for sea turtles to lay eggs. Next door, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge adds more chances to see alligators, manatees, and shore birds living naturally in their home.

Black Bears at Big Bend Wildlife Area

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Big Bend Wildlife Area holds many natural treasures. Black bears, wild turkeys, and gopher tortoises live among its salt marshes, swamps, and forests.

Bird watchers might spot unusual visitors like northern saw-whet owls or graceful Swallow-tailed Kites. The quiet trails let you get close to wildlife that likes being alone. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, taking pictures, or paddling through this beautiful place.

Dolphins at Fort de Soto Park

Near St. Petersburg, Fort de Soto Park offers amazing wildlife experiences. Over 300 bird species live here or stop by during their travels.

Watch for warblers, herons, and ospreys throughout the year. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the park’s beaches.

Take a kayak through twisting mangroves or walk nature trails to see dolphins, manatees, and shore birds enjoying their coastal home.

Florida Scrub-Jays at Oscar Scherer State Park

Visit Oscar Scherer State Park near Sarasota to see Florida’s special scrub-jay – a bird found nowhere else in the world. Pine forests, scrubland, and wetlands create homes for many animals.

More than 200 kinds of birds live here, including woodpeckers, hawks, and warblers. Look for gopher tortoises and alligators near the fresh water. Walking and biking trails wind through the park, offering great wildlife views everywhere you look.

Swamp Rabbits at Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge

The massive Okefenokee Refuge sits where Georgia meets Florida, covering 402,000 acres of swampland. This wet wilderness shelters black bears, alligators, and swamp rabbits.

Bird lovers can spot wood storks, red-shouldered hawks, and white egrets, especially during spring and fall migration.

Take a boat tour through the swamp to see its unique beauty and wild residents up close. Nature enthusiasts won’t find another place quite like this.