Orlando Wetlands

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset (closed Oct 1 - Jan 20 for hunting)

About This Location

Orlando Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Common Gallinule 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

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/6/2026Orlando Wetlands1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/6/2026Home Turf2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

3/5/2026Steinbird HQ1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026SR-50 St. John's River Bridge (Orange co.)2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

3/5/2026C.S. Lee Park1 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

3/5/2026C.S. Lee Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026young pine field1 observed

American Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

3/3/2026Cocoa, Florida1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

3/2/2026Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park2 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/2/2026Merritt Island NWR--Black Point Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

93/6/2026

Common Ground Dove

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Common Gallinule

1003/6/2026

American Coot

1003/6/2026

Purple Gallinule

103/6/2026

Limpkin

33/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

13/6/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

123/6/2026

Wood Stork

303/6/2026

Anhinga

103/6/2026

White Ibis

123/6/2026

Glossy Ibis

103/6/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

303/6/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

23/6/2026

Little Blue Heron

43/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

53/6/2026

Snowy Egret

103/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Orlando Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Orlando Wetlands for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Orlando Wetlands?
Notable species at Orlando Wetlands include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Purple Gallinule, Swallow-tailed Kite, Turkey Vulture, Great Egret, Western Cattle-Egret, White Ibis, Osprey, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Orlando Wetlands?
Birding at Orlando Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Orlando Wetlands?
There is no entrance fee at Orlando Wetlands. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset (closed Oct 1 - Jan 20 for hunting).
What amenities are available at Orlando Wetlands?
Orlando Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.