Joan and Dan's Birding Blog: Fort De Soto Park - Florida's "Birdiest" Location

Fort De Soto County Park in Saint Petersburg (Pinellas County) is a birder's paradise. It is the #1 birding hotspot in Florida with 328 recorded species, it ranks #22 in the United States. In the spring, migratory birds can easily fly non-stop from Mexico, across the Gulf of Mexico, reaching the southern Gulf states. However, when strong storms occur over the Gulf, birds are tossed around by high winds and pelted with heavy rains. Seeking shelter, they arrive in huge numbers all over this 1136-acre park. This phenomenon is known as a "fallout". While at the park the birds will get the rest and food they need before continuing north. If conditions are unfavorable for flight, they will hang around the park for days. There have been four separate fallout events during the 2014 spring migration season. With a few weeks still remaining, birders are hoping for more.

Fort De Soto has become one of our favorite destinations. We have scored over 130 species there. The diversity of habitats and birds is amazing. Miles of beaches are great for shorebirds, pelicans and gulls. The tidal areas and shallow lagoons are great for waders. Acres of wooded areas are great for songbirds and raptors. The park is a perfect location for many other activities such as a day at the beach, biking, fishing, kayaking, sailboarding, picnicking, sightseeing and camping. Triathlons (swimming, biking, and running) are held there regularly. Read about the park and its history by clicking here -----> http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

Enjoy some of our favorite photos from around Fort De Soto Park and stay tuned for migration photos.....tweet.....tweet!!