Summertime is coming to a swift, and seamless close. As water begins to cools down and the birds start to migrate to the area and even further south. We know we have some avid birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiast that come from around the world, especially in the season to come. So we thought we would share some of the best areas to view these interesting flight animals.
Interesting fact about where some of the birds migrate on the Panhandle- St Vincent Island, which is on the migration path for birds heading to South America and other warmer climates for the season. This allows for a lot more viewing of birds that are not as common in the area. Shorebirds, Wading birds, raptors and song birds call St. Vincent home while the nations bird, the Bald Eagle, nest there during the winter months. St. Vincent is a National Wildlife Refuge that allows for a bunch of engaging activities, whether you just want to take in the serine view of the Gulf of Mexico, while having a quick snack during a picnic, just don’t feed the birds any bread from your meal- it is actually not nutritious or filling and can stop birds from eating their natural diet of insects and vegetation. Or you want to take a hike on the 90 miles of trails and rough it a little bit to find the birds in their natural habitat.
Shore Birds
Another beautiful location to do some glorious bird gazing is at the Destin’s Norriego’s Point, which host various types of birds from the egrets, herons, terns, Eastern Towhees and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and many more. The good thing about this area is that is a little off the beaten path to most individuals who don’t know the area, so it tends to be the least crowded. There are a variety of birds that come to this location almost everyday. So you can take a chair, grab your binoculars and set back and enjoy the perfect white sand and clear Emerald water while witnessing the differences of birds on their daily journey.
Easter Towhees
Fall is a beautiful time to take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. Indulge in the sightseeing, watch the sunset over the water and add to your list of new birds to discover. Even if you don’t directly head to a wildlife sanctuary to view these beautiful creatures. There are birds all along the Emerald Coast that can uncover through simply watching them fly in the sky or skim fish off the ocean’s surface which can truly make the soul happy.
White Ibis
We love Fall here on the Emerald Coast!