By Capt. Chris Thalmann Contributing Writer
After a long hot summer, we’re finally getting a taste of some cooler fall weather. For birdwatchers, that’s usually a sign that birding season has arrived too!
Birding is big business in the US. Annual surveys from birding membership groups, the travel industry, research centers, and even state and federal government agencies suggest several million Americans consider themselves to be “birders”.
Birders include a wide range of people, from those brand new to the hobby all the way up to folks with decades of experience. Some spend thousands of dollars on equipment and guided birding trips each year – others spend very little – it’s completely up to you. Like many nature-based hobbies, it’s easy to get involved and there are tons of places to participate in the US and worldwide.
Here in South Florida, we’re part of the Atlantic Flyway – sort of an aerial super-highway system. Millions of migratory birds stop over to recharge while flying to their winter grounds. Quite often, many decide to stay here instead of flying all the way to Central and South America.
That means we have some terrific local birding spots. Although several are more remote and best accessed by boat or by day hikes, many offer convenient parking, short walks, and restrooms. Here are some favorites:
• Wakodahatchee Wetlands 13270 Jog Rd Delray Beach, FL 33446
• Green Cay Wetlands 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd Boynton Beach, FL 33437
• Grassy Waters Preserve 8264 North Lake Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33412
• MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Wakodahatchee and Green Cay are wetland reclamation projects designed and operated by Palm Beach County. Grassy Waters Preserve is owned and operated by the City of West Palm Beach and is part of the City’s drinking water supply system.
Despite being part of municipal water systems, these three locations are very pretty natural settings with many different species of coastal wading birds. Some nests are just feet away from the boardwalks and railings.
In addition to these freshwater wetland areas, MacArthur Beach State Park offers great birding opportunities in beautiful brackish and saltwater environments. MacArthur boasts boardwalks, shady wooded trails, as well as access to miles of oceanfront beach.
Any of these spots are great for a few minutes, a few hours or more! Be sure to confirm hours of operation and any COVID restrictions before you go.
If you prefer an organized group outing, Aqua Adventure Tours offers coastal birding tours for all experience levels. Due to COVID, this season we’re running only private birding charters for small groups. Trips are customized and may include dockside lunches, walks in wooded natural areas, and sandbar and beach exploring.
Feel free to e-mail us at info@aquaadventuretours.com for more info. We’re happy to set up a fun trip you’ll remember for years.
Hope to see you outdoors and on the water!
Captain Chris Thalmann
Owner | Aqua Adventure Tours, Inc. • aquaadventuretours.com