Lake Apopka North Shore - Orange County section

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

3/5/2026Spring Hammock Preserve2 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/5/2026PEAR Park, Leesburg US-FL 28.72928, -81.874811 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Home1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/5/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Gray-headed Swamphen

Porphyrio poliocephalus

3/5/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

3/5/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive2 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

3/4/2026Leesburg Waterfront - Venetian Gardens & Marina1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

3/4/2026Lake Dora and Dora Canal, Mount Dora, Florida, US (28.787, -81.68)2 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

3/4/20268459 Woburn Court, Windermere, Florida, US (28.448, -81.548)2 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

3/4/2026Mead Botanical Gardens1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

3/4/2026Lake Brantley High School1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/3/2026Forest Lake Church Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

3/1/2026

Wood Duck

3/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

3/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3/1/2026

Common Gallinule

3/1/2026

American Coot

3/1/2026

Purple Gallinule

3/1/2026

Anhinga

3/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

3/1/2026

White Ibis

3/1/2026

Glossy Ibis

3/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

3/1/2026

Tricolored Heron

3/1/2026

Green Heron

3/1/2026

Great Egret

3/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

3/1/2026

Osprey

3/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

3/1/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

3/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

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.