Birding the Wekiva River Basin

Brown-headed Nuthatch
Wekiwa Springs State Park

The Wekiva River Basin is becoming one of my favorite areas for birding in Florida. There are several places I like to visit near the Wekiva River in both Orange and Seminole Counties, all of which are north and west of Orlando. Each of these parks are about a half-hour away from my home, and they're also about an hour away from Disney, so they are wonderful places to visit when you want to get away from the Mouse.  Each have similar environments, but they also have their own distinctive personalities, so I try to visit them as often as I can. The Wekiva River is one of the two “National Wild & Scenic Rivers” in Florida.  When I visit these parks, I feel like I'm seeing Central Florida as it once was, and that keeps me coming back for more.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park is a fun place to visit for swimming, kayaking, and other recreational activities. It's a full service park with a concession stand, restrooms, and even canoe and kayak rentals. I first visited the park shortly after moving  here so our family could go swimming at the springs.  I didn't realize until later the great birding opportunities right here in the park.  There are over 13 miles of trails, and the western portion has some great trails for birding.

Yellow-throated Vireo
Wekiwa Springs State Park

The trails on the western side of the park are some my favorite places to look for Bachman's Sparrows, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Summer Tanagers, Eastern Towhees, Carolina Chickadees, Eastern Bluebirds, and Brown-headed Nuthatches. Swallow-tailed Kites and even an occasional Short-tailed Hawk may be seen here as well

Red-headed Woodpecker
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Bachman's Sparrow
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Summer Tanager
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Eastern Towhee
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Prairie Warbler
Wekiwa Springs State Park

And of course, you're likely to find other fun wildlife along the trails, including many White-tailed Deer, Gopher Tortoises and butterflies.

Zebra Swallowtail
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park (Markham Tract)

Markham Tract, Wekiwa Springs State Park

There's a little-known part of the Wekiwa Springs State Park called the Markham Tract.  I found out about this area just recently, and I've only visited the area twice.  This area contains some of the same kinds of habitat as the main area of the state park, but there are fewer amenities, so the park is never crowded. So far (since May of this year), I've enjoyed finding Summer Tanagers, Carolina Chickadees, White-eyed Vireos, Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, Northern Bobwhites and Wild Turkeys.  But even more exciting was seeing my first Florida Black Bear (I only saw it after it began to run away from me, so I don't have any photos).

Carolina Chickadee
Markham Tract, Wekiwa Springs State Park

Brown-headed Nuthatch
Markham Tract, Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wild Turkey
Markham Tract, Wekiwa Springs State Park

White-tailed Deer
Markham Tract, Wekiwa Springs State Park

Lower Wekiva River Preserve

Lower Wekiva River Preserve

The Lower Wekiva River Preserve is located just east of the Wekiva River, and there are over 18 miles of trails through some wonderful pine forests. Like the Markham Tract, I discovered this place only recently, and I've only visited it twice since May.  It's the only place in Seminole County where I've been able to find breeding Bachman's Sparrows, though, and for that reason alone, this is one of my favorite places to visit. I've found breeding Great Crested Flycatchers, Common Yellowthroat, and even a possible breeding Yellow-billed Cuckoo. I don't know my bats very wellat all, but one morning I found a solitary bat climbing a tree. Pretty fun.

Great Crested Flycatcher
Lower Wekiva River Preserve

Bachman's Sparrow
Lower Wekiva River Preserve

Bat
Lower Wekiva River Preserve

I don't think I've seen anything truly extraordinary or rare in any of these locations, but they each are beautiful in their own way.  After all, birding doesn't have to be about finding rarities.  It can also be about simply enjoying the birds and other wildlife that happen to be right near your home. And if you come to Orlando to see the Mouse, it may be worth it to come out to the Wekiva River Basin to see the birds too.