Birding at Flamingo

Flamingo offers ample birding opportunities along its many trail areas as well as around the visitor center and marina. The mix of mangrove and coastal prairie habitats host a bounty of wading birds, shorebirds and waterbirds throughout the year. Additionally, there is always the chance of seeing tropical marine life close to shore, including crocodiles and manatees. Flamingo winters are famous for birds. December – March is the best time for birding with low levels of mosquitoes, bird activity abounds in Flamingo year-round. In the winter, large mixed flocks of herons, egrets, ibis, storks and spoonbills move around the mangroves, coastal prairies and mudflats of Florida Bay for easy foraging, and American White Pelicans gather in massive flocks to spend winter on the bay. Brown Pelicans and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, which are year-round residents, can also be seen. Many Osprey nests are found around Flamingo; be sure to keep a far distance from any nests as not to stress the parents or young. During spring and fall, migrating shorebirds including godwits, sandpipers, and plovers gather along the shore during high tide, and songbirds can be found along the Guy Bradley Trail beginning at the visitor center parking lot. Note: In the summer, mosquitoes are in abundance in the mangrove, coastal prairie and marsh habitats. Be sure to bring extra protection when recreating in this area during the summer, including bug spray, long sleeves and bug jackets. A full head net may be needed in some areas.