Small island with trees in a calm body of water.

Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open Fri-Sun, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 346 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck, and Blue-winged Teal among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

6/2/2026Florida 400, Orlando, Florida, US (28.555, -81.382)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/1/2026I-4 E, Lake Mary US-FL 28.74786, -81.366101 observed

American Robin (migratorius Group)

Turdus migratorius

6/1/2026Wadeview Park1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/31/2026Ward Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Glossy Ibis

16/2/2026

Tricolored Heron

16/2/2026

Great Egret

76/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Purple Martin

16/2/2026

Common Grackle

126/2/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

25/31/2026

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

35/31/2026

Common Gallinule

5/31/2026

Purple Gallinule

35/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

45/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section?
Notable species at Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Common Gallinule, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, White Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, Fish Crow, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section?
Birding at Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section?
There is no entrance fee at Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section. Hours: Open Fri-Sun, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section?
Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.