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Roger Simmons
Roger Simmons

Birds, Words, Pics + TV

Why Central Florida is a birding paradise

Roger Simmons, October 28, 2024October 28, 2024

When I go out of town and come back home, it makes me realize how fortunate I am to live in Central Florida, a birding paradise full of incredible diversity.

From the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge along the coast, to the manmade gift that is the Orlando Wetlands, to the large lakefront area along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, the different geography these places offer helps lure different birds (and sometimes similar) to the area.

Throw in some urban locations, like Mead Garden in Winter Park and the UCF Arboretum, and you realize just how special it is to be a birder in our area.

Here’s a collection of photos from late September and early to mid-October showing some of that Central Florida bird diversity.

Great Egret, Mead Garden in Winter Park, September 2024.
Merlin, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2024.
Merlin, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2024.
Yellow Warbler, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
Yellow Warbler, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
Painted Bunting, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
Painted Bunting, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
“Cooked Neck” the Great Blue Heron, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
Osprey, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
Grey-headed Swamp Hen, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
Anhinga, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
(Ok, not a bird) American Alligator, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, September 2024.
Blue Grosbeak, UCF Arboretum, October 2024.
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All Birds Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Orlando Wetlands AnhingaBlue GrosbeakGreat Blue HeronGreat EgretGrey-headed Swamp HenMerlinOspreyPainted BuntingYellow Warbler

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