August/September birding suggestions (1 Viewer)

Hi all,
Am currently in Florida staying near Daytona Beach at Ponce inlet (we have a holiday home here).
Went to Meritt island and did not see much at all. Last time I went birding there in January/Feb there was of course the migratory birds but last time we came in summer was about 5 years ago and I recall seeing many birds. Would there be any other places to go to around Florida that currently have lots of birds or it is just not good season for them

The season is just about starting around late August to early September...it used to start more in earnest by mid-August, but it's been so brutal hot and winter almost never comes anymore down here, so the birds seem to be pushing further back for their arrival. Still, as you get to this weekend and into the first week of September, things should really pick up.
Down here in South Florida, we're just starting to see some early migrants - American redstarts, painted buntings, and a few warblers have started to pop up. The same should be true up the east coast...and I suspect it's going to get better over the next few weeks.
Merritt should pick up...you could also head south to Viera Wetlands which is just a few miles from Merritt Island drive. If you're looking for the Florida regulars, you could head to one of the established tourist parks that also have rookeries on site - like Orlando area's Gatorland, or St. Augustine Alligator Farms - both a little bit of a drive but doable.
By September, some of the small water conservation parks should really pick up - Orlando Wetlands park and Lake Apopka Drive in the Orlando area should be decent, and if you don't mind driving a few hours south, Palm Beach County's Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Peaceful Waters, and early in the month, Green Cay Wetlands (it's getting ready to close in late September for 3-4 months for a big overhaul of the Nature Center roof), will all be very reliable spots for both local birds and migrants.

Thankyou kindly for your response. Hopefully the season will pick up soon, looking forward to seeing all the beautiful birds