Birdwatching is an enjoyable, year-round activity in Sarasota, thanks to our subtropical climate and ecological diversity.
Birds can be seen along Sarasota County’s coasts, including waders, such as herons, egrets, pelicans, gulls, and terns. And the aquatic raptors, osprey, roam the skies and plunge at high speeds to snatch fish from Gulf and inland waterways.
Best Places for Birdwatching
The Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail is a comprehensive resource for birdwatchers in Florida. On their website, learn about various trails and habitats and the species of birds throughout Florida. There are also viewing tips in this network of over 510 wildlife viewing spots across the state.
The list below features Sarasota-specific sites.
Arlington Park
In this in-town park, you can see the iridescent purple and blue-green Purple Gallinule, small waders, and seasonal migratory ducks. This small park features hardwood hammocks and a reclaimed swamp in an urban downtown Sarasota setting.
2650 Waldemere Street
Sarasota, 34239
The Celery Fields
The Sarasota Audubon Society has recorded that birders have logged over 215 species at Celery Fields. It’s an awesome place to go. It comprises 360+ acres and is the region’s primary stormwater collection and flood mitigation zone — with marshlands, deep ponds, shallow pools, canals, and over 20,000 aquatic plants and trees in its ecology. Two Celery Fields boardwalks at Palmer Boulevard and Raymond Road provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
6893 Palmer Boulevard
Sarasota, 34240
Pinecraft Park
Pinecraft Park is a 15-acre park with a dense canopy of elm, hickory, and oak trees. You may encounter petite hawks like the Sharp-shinned Hawks, the Cooper’s Hawk, and the warbler and thrush species. Areas of the park border Phillippi Creek are home to heron, moorhen (marsh hen), and ibis.
1420 Gilbert Avenue
Sarasota 34239
Quick Point Nature Preserve
The preserve features a boardwalk and a modest trail along Sarasota Bay. Among a mix of beachy ecologies with mangrove estuaries and tidal swamps, you will encounter Osprey, Terns, and gulls riding the thermals to hunt for a seafood snack.
100 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key 34228
Red Bug Slough Preserve
This preserve borders a suburban neighborhood, but it’s easy to feel secluded from the outside world. Its moss-draped trails connect the hammock and swampy slough, where you may find Green Heron, Wood Ducks, Mottled Ducks, Belted Kingfisher, Limpkins, and other species.
5200 Beneva Road
Sarasota 34231
Siesta Beach
In the misty early morning hours, you can spot migratory shorebirds, Roseate Spoonbill, Reddish Egret, and rarer species like Red-necked Phalarope, Razorbill, and Elegant Tern.
948 Beach Road
Siesta Key 34242
Birding 101
If you’re planning on visiting one of the sites, make sure to come prepared. Here are some tips to help get you started:
- Get a pair of binoculars – Binoculars will help you spot birds and other animals from a distance, giving you a much better chance to appreciate them! There’s no need to spend lots of money on a new pair of binoculars. There are many great options for under $100.
- Become familiar with the species you’re looking for – There are several field guides and apps that can teach you more about the birds you will be searching for. Try out the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America or the Merlin app by Cornell Lab.
- Find a spot – After you’ve identified the species you’re looking for and know what habitats they live in, pick an appropriate trail site from the list here.
- Keep track of the species you find – A lot of the fun of birding is finding different species and a checklist can help you keep track of the birds you’ve found and the birds you plan on looking for. You can download and print a checklist of Florida’s birds here, or download the eBird app on a smart phone or tablet.
- Respect the wildlife – It’s important to make sure that you do not disturb the birds or damage their habitat while birding. Nesting birds are particularly vulnerable; if they are forced to leave their nests, their eggs and young can become exposed to predators and harsh conditions. Remember to “take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints” when birding!