Customer Reviews

Birding Florida: Over 200 Prime Birding Sites at 54 Locations (Birding Series)

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Of the more than 700 species of bird known to annually spend some time on the North American continent, over 500 of these species are or may be found be found in Florida. If you want to observe these birds, Birding Florida, coupled with the Great Florida Birding Trail Guides, is all the birder needs to find and observe the many species of birds available there

The 500 species found in Florida are broken down into 343 species that regularly occur and 154 vagrant species. Using the standard definitions for status: residents - species that are present year round and/or nest and breed in the state, visitors - species that are present in the state all or part of the year but do not breed or nest in the state, and migrants - species that pass through the state in the spring or fall while going to other areas to breed or nest, the author describes 58 areas within the state where birders may observe birds of interest. Florida has 151 resident species which the author has divided the into 37 year round resident species and 25 summer visitors found in the state only in the spring and summer that are especially sought out by birders with another 52 species that may be found in areas other than Florida but still of interest.

The book contains nine maps of which eight are regional maps showing the location of each of the birding areas. While the book does not contain an individual map for any location, explicit directions for driving to each area are given, and each area is referenced using plate numbers and grid locations to the Delorme© Florida Atlas and Gazetteer so I didn't object to the lack of maps. The final chapter book presents a list of the 343 regularly occurring species that includes a state range map, and a brief description of the 154 vagrant species noted. All species have been verified by the Records Committee of the Florida Ornithological Society.

The book has many birding sites throughout the state of Florida. My complaint is that the book does not contain maps of the sites. There are large maps with no detail. The birding sites are shown as a number on the map with no detail on how to get there. For that you must read through a paragraph of directions to multiple locations. It is almost impossible to use on the road. In order to use the book, you will need to research the sites on the internet and print a map. For reference, look at "Birding Georgia" by Giff Beaton (same publisher). This book has very good maps. Hopefully this book will add the maps in later editions.

Brian did a great job researching the Birding Locations for this book. The book is divided into areas of the state and their most popular and successful birding location. Brian gives clear directions to hot spots and provides lists of species and the best time of year to see them at each location. I put the book to the test when I took a trip to the Belle Glade Area of Florida. All of his information was useful and accurate. Brian is one of Florida's top birders and has personally visited each of the locations multiple times.

Buy the book, you won't be sorry.

I really like this book for my needs. It gives a lot of detail for quite a few places. Point by point turns, where to look, what time of year is best, etc. It highlights 54 areas within 8 groups: Northeast, East-Central, Southeast, Florida Keys/Everglades, Southwest, West-Central, Northwest and the Panhandle so where ever you are planning to go, you'll have an idea of what you may want to investigate depending on what time of year you're there. This guy knows his stuff. Seriously. For instance, if you go to Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area, he'll tell you to: "drive east 1.4 miles on Tucker Grade (unpaved beyond the check station) to Oil Well Grade. Turn left and drive north 0.8 miles to the small RCW sign on the left." etc. (you get the idea) to find nesting habitats of endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. He'll even let you know the best time to find them around their nests are dawn and dusk. Only problem I had was I found this book AFTER I went there and was disappointed by the area so I didn't see any and drove around pretty aimlessly. So if you're looking for a little planning ahead, I think this book will help. Keep in mind Florida is a big state, you may not find everything, but if you're a beginner like me, you'll probably find it helpful.

Birding Florida is THE most up to date and accurate location list available to Florida Birders.
Directions are given ,turn by turn,to within a 10th of a mile and that is most helpful when compared to the Delorme map (which often lacks enough detail).
I keep two copies of Birding Florida, one at home for researching trips ahead of time and one in the car to get me to Florida's treasure chests of spectacular birds on the spur of the moment.
If you are in Florida or just thinking about a trip here, this is an essential addition to your birding library.

We travel to Florida once-twice a year and love to take advantage of birding opportunities. We got this before our last visit to the Sunshine State and found it to be the best Florida birding resource that we have seen. Great info, including clear, concise direction to locations.

I have been using this book for over a year, and find it to accurately guide me to top birding sites. It is more up to date on species and locations descriptions than the ABA Lane Guide, which itself is also very good.