Citrus County

State Rd 44 (Ft. Island Trail) runs 9 miles from U.S. 19 in Crystal River, Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Stop at the Ft. Island Trail Park (no fee) for Gray Catbird, Woodpeckers, Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Great Egret, Snowy Egret and Double-crested Cormorant. There is a fishing dock, a public boat ramp, some picnic tables and restrooms.

Travel west from the park and you will see extensive brackish water marshes. Here you may find Belted Kingfishers, Florida variety Red-shouldered Hawk, Marsh Wrens and Seaside Sparrows joined in winter by Sedge Wrens. At the beach look for wading birds and shore birds such as the Franklin and Ring-billed Gulls, Caspian Terns, Common Grackle, Cormorant and Anhinga.

Pay close attention to the gulls at the edge of the water. If you are lucky, you will see Black Skimmers mixed in with the gulls.

For the very serious birder (access by boat only): Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

Great for family wildlife viewing: Homosassa State Park

Upland birds and wildlife at the Withlacochee State forest

Thanks for visiting the Central Florida Bird Watcher's Web Site.

For a more complete listing of birds in the Central Florida area click here:  Central Florida Bird Lists