First time birding in Florida. Where to go? (1 Viewer)

[Quacker]

Not my first time in FLorida, but visiting Orlando (Disney) and have the use of a car to escape for a week and looking to do a spot of birding.

Merritt Island is an area I fancy looking at and just after building up a list really. Doesn't have to be rarities at all. My knowledge of US birds is even worse than that of UK ones but will be armed with a car, time, binoculars (possibly a small/lightweight scope) and a Sibley Guide (Eastern North America).

Anywhere within driving distance of the Orlando/Kissimee area really. Quantity being of more importance than quality or rarity as I said this is the first time birding in the area.

Anyone any other info re: Merritt Island & surround, such as best times to visit, facities (food/restrooms etc.).

Many thanks for any suggestions.

Will be there from 4th-11th May if that helps.

Steve

 

[Phil Carter]

Merritt Island is a must,an absolutely fantastic place. Brinson Park, Kissimee is excellent for Snail Kite. To be honest though, I found early mornings around our hotel in Kissimee to be one of the most productive areas.

Phil

 

[Andy Wraithmell]

Sent you a PM Steve. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Quacker]

Merritt Island is a must,an absolutely fantastic place. Brinson Park, Kissimee is excellent for Snail Kite. To be honest though, I found early mornings around our hotel in Kissimee to be one of the most productive areas.

Phil

Thanks Phil - always good to here a UK perspective. As luck would have it I am an early riser and some birding before breakfast sounds a great idea - even the Disney resorts will be quiet with all the tourists catching up on ther sleep

Sent you a PM Steve. Hope you have a great trip.

Thanks again Andy - loads of information there - I'm thinking about making September's trip a birding-only trip and forget about the Mouse & Kingdom lol.

A quick question re: Merritt Island. If spending all day, or most of the day there, are there plenty of facilities on site, food outlets, or do we have to take our own or eat before/after visiting?

Steve

 

[delia todd]

Hi Steve

You're in for a great time by the sounds of it. I followed the link from the Opus article and the Visitor Centre at Merrit Island appears to provide snacks.

Are we not going to see you in Scotland this year

D

 

[Andy Wraithmell]

Thanks Phil - always good to here a UK perspective. As luck would have it I am an early riser and some birding before breakfast sounds a great idea - even the Disney resorts will be quiet with all the tourists catching up on ther sleep



Thanks again Andy - loads of information there - I'm thinking about making September's trip a birding-only trip and forget about the Mouse & Kingdom lol.

A quick question re: Merritt Island. If spending all day, or most of the day there, are there plenty of facilities on site, food outlets, or do we have to take our own or eat before/after visiting?

Steve

As Delia already stated there is a gift store at the refuge where you can stock up on drinks, snakcs etc. They have feeders at the visitor center and you can often see some good birds around that area.
There is a great restaurant in Titusville called Dixie Crossroads.
http://dixiecrossroads.com/
The owner, Laurilee Thompson is a friend of ours (she officiated our wedding) and she is an avid birder and conservationist. The food is fantastic, have the rock shrimp! Even if you don't go there to eat the mural on the resturant wall is great! Titusville hosts the Space Coast Birding Festival every January and the restaurant is where most of the birders go to eat. It isn't far from the refuge.
Other than that Titusville has plenty of the usual fast food joints.

 

[Quacker]

Hi Steve

You're in for a great time by the sounds of it. I followed the link from the Opus article and the Visitor Centre at Merrit Island appears to provide snacks.

Are we not going to see you in Scotland this year

D

Absolutely Delia - hope you're well any chance to cross that border - you know me (though you'll probably not recognise me these days as I'm half the person I was lol)

The old man and I are having a couple of trips to Florida as you can see the first is next week, then another couple of weeks in September.

Just trying to escape Disney for a few days birding as I mentioned to Andy. Florida has so much more to offer than Theme Parks.

Getting a load of good info together for my "big list" - and me the person who never birds overseas lol.