Big Shoals State Park is a great place to go birding in Florida. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, wood storks, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. he park's diverse habitats, including bottomland hardwood forests, cypress swamps, and pine flatwoods, provide a home for a variety of bird species. The Suwannee River, which flows through the park, is also a major flyway for migrating birds.
Some of the best places to go birding in Big Shoals State Park include:
- The Big Shoals: These whitewater rapids are a popular spot for birdwatchers, as they attract a variety of raptors, including bald eagles and ospreys.
- The Woodpecker Trail: This 3.4-mile paved trail winds through the bottomland hardwood forest, providing opportunities to see a variety of songbirds, including warblers, thrushes, and vireos.
- The Bluff Trail: This 1-mile trail leads to the top of a limestone bluff, offering stunning views of the Suwannee River and the surrounding forests. This is a great place to see raptors, as well as swallows and other birds that feed on insects.
The best time to go birding in Big Shoals State Park is during the winter months, when the weather is mild and the birds are more active. However, there are birds to see year-round.