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

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

7/19/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/19/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/18/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

7/18/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/16/2026Hiawatha Shores Canal (28.561, -81.778)1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/14/2026Lower Wekiva River2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/12/2026Beer Palace 2.01 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

27/19/2026

Common Gallinule

507/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

107/19/2026

Anhinga

157/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/19/2026

White Ibis

57/19/2026

Glossy Ibis

107/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

47/19/2026

Tricolored Heron

67/19/2026

Snowy Egret

207/19/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

107/19/2026

Great Egret

107/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

107/19/2026

Black Vulture

17/19/2026

Osprey

27/19/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

17/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/19/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

507/19/2026

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

27/19/2026

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.