best spots for bird watching?

[snookerpie]

I'm very excited to make my 2nd trip to the area this July. Since I have a found a new interest I would like to ask the locals or knowing birders where the best spots for bird watching are. I've got a fever and the only prescription is more bird watching.

 

[jodiFL]

anywhere around the dunes lakes is a good spot and I think they have even placed signs around designating us a part of the Florida birding trail. stop at the TDC building (corner of 331 & 98) they should have info on the birding trail.

 

[sunspotbaby]

Lots of information on trails/parks in Walton County here.

Is there a particular bird you want to see? backyard birds? water birds? hawks? Good luck in your birding. There are a lot to see here.

 

[aggieb]

Lots of information on trails/parks in Walton County here.

Is there a particular bird you want to see? backyard birds? water birds? hawks? Good luck in your birding. There are a lot to see here.

well, surprise, surprise. there's ssb!

 

[snookerpie]

Thanks!

well, surprise, surprise. there's ssb!

thanks for the tips, everyone. I really want to see a bunting.

 

[aggieb]

thanks for the tips, everyone. I really want to see a bunting.

hope you find what you're looking for. have a nice trip.

 

[TreeFrog]

Everywhere! It depends on what you want to see. For instance, in the last year or so:

Coopers' hawk - In my yard near Summer's Edge
Bald eagle - From the Little Deer Lake walkover at Watersound West
Green heron - Eastern Lake outfall
Osprey - Eastern Lake outfall
Red-bellied woodpecker - Pine tree in my yard
Cedar waxwings - Migrating through, everywhere
Blue heron - Under the 30A bridge over Eastern Lake
Towhee - In the thicket near the beach
Coots - Wintering in Deer Lake

Although, I will say that right now is not the best time for shore birds. They seem to disappear when the heavy influx of vacationers start crowding the beaches. Maybe they have moved to the less-used sections of beach. I use the walkovers near Eastern Lake, which are quite crowded this time of year.

You gotta go out to one of the state park beaches and see all the critter tracks, too. Choctawhatchee beach mouse, fox, snake, bobcat, etc.

 

[Walton Outdoors]

thanks for the tips, everyone. I really want to see a bunting.

There have been many sightings of indigo buntings this spring in the area. If you want to catch one, you most likely will see them in the forestry trails. They are known to be in the area all summer, however, I've not heard of any sightings recently. But... perhaps someone here will post a recent encounter!
Go here for a peek at the forestry trails: click here

Local SoWaller, ASH had some this spring in his yard: click here