Birding Adventure at Fort De Soto

Fort De Soto Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a stunning array of avian wonders. From the delicate Least Sandpipers to the majestic Reddish Egrets and Wood Storks, the park is a sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds. Birders and photographers from around the globe flock here to witness its diverse birdlife, making Fort De Soto a premier destination on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Event Details:

• Meeting Point: Join us at the park office near the large flagpole at 7:15 AM. We’ll begin our adventure from here.
• Exploration: We will explore several key spots within the park, and we may wade out to “Outback Key” for an immersive experience. Be prepared for knee-deep water depending on the tide and consider bringing a change of shoes.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, snacks, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent (bugs can be plentiful in wooded areas). Long sleeves and pants are recommended to ward off insects.

Parking Information:

• Fee: The county’s $5 parking fee can be paid via mobile parking apps, pay-by-text, existing parking terminals, or an annual pass. Please note a $0.35 convenience fee applies to app or text payments. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted.

Additional Information:

• Registration Required: Advance registration is required for this event. Unfortunately, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
• Limited Group Size: To ensure a personalized and enriching experience, group size is limited.
• Courtesy to Fellow Participants: If you need to cancel, please do so promptly to allow others the chance to participate.

Photography and Consent:

Photographs are a wonderful way to capture the beauty and fun of our birding adventures. We encourage photographers to take photos for their personal use and enjoyment. If you would like to share your photographs with us, please ensure your name is watermarked on the images.

By signing the AE consent, you agree to having your photo taken during our trips and used on our social media pages. If you prefer not to have your photo taken, please contact us at fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org prior to the event.

Questions or Assistance:

• For any inquiries, please contact Fieldtrips@auduboneverglades.org

We look forward to exploring the birding wonders of Fort De Soto with you and sharing in the excitement of this exceptional location!

Learn More about your trip leader:

David Simpson has been a birder and naturalist for the last 40 years and is a life-long resident of central Florida. He worked as a Park Service Specialist at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park for 12 years and has held several other similar jobs. He started leading tours almost 30 years ago and has his own company, Birding with David Simpson, which provides custom guided tours of Florida and educational classes. He has led tours at many festivals in Florida including the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Birds of a Feather Festival, Everglades Birding Festival, and many others. You can find out more and read about his adventures at www.BirdingwithDavidSimpson.com