Florida: Great Birding Trail

By Julie Dee Suman Freelance Travel Writer

The energetic call of a Red-eyed Vireo ricocheted through the dense greenery engulfing the abandoned World War II battery. My birding guides, Brenda and Jerry, pushed ahead, eager to point out our vocal feathered friend. I asked Brenda to name her favorite bird. She brightly replied, “The next one!” Her passion trickled over me as we searched for migratory birds at Pensacola’s Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

The Pensacola Bay area sits on the beginning of the Panhandle’s spot on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. This 2000-mile route winds through the state, highlighting birds, butterflies, turtles, and other animals. The trail clusters 10 well-known wildlife destinations and hidden gems around Pensacola.

Pensacola’s gulf coast location along the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways means migratory birds stop to rest on its protected shores before flying north or south for the season. The region sings with seasonal birds in October and April.

Fort Pickens Area at Gulf Islands National Park

I checked into the Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach, eager to discover new flying friends at Gulf Islands National Park. The park splits into two areas: Fort Pickens and Perdido Key. My journey began just after dawn at Battery Langdon near Fort Pickens.

My early morning latte was handy as my energetic guides walked the trails and through the concrete bunker’s underbrush. With some patience, we spotted Orchard Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Grey Catbirds, Yellow-throated Vireos, and more. The songbird paradise lasted through the early morning, topping off with a Cerulean Warbler sitting. This azure beauty has become a rarity due to the disappearance of its Mississippi Delta habitat.

Hiking trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail, branch off from the campsites within the park. The paths that pass through towering pines and live oaks house various bird species. While quietly strolling along, we approached a magnificent Osprey as she took flight.

Historical Paths

We spent the latter part of our morning along the trails at Fort Pickens and near the beaches. Shorebirds such as Willets and Sandwich Terns abound. In the fall, you will likely observe Snowy Plovers and Least Terns.

The trails led to Fort Pickens for historical discoveries. The brick Pentagon-shaped fort, commissioned in 1825, protected Pensacola Bay and the Navy Yard during the Civil and World Wars. Enslaved African American skilled in masonry and carpentry built the fortress using 21.5 million bricks. While the fort has a dark history, it also provided refuge to freedom seekers en route to emancipation as part of the Underground Railroad.

A tour of the fort illustrates its unique construction of archways, bunkers, and a sampling of remaining artillery. The Fort Pickens Discovery Center highlights centuries of military and natural history. The center’s tactile displays feature the barrier island’s scents, sounds, and feel. The discovery center, with its fun dioramas, is especially great for children.

Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier

The Pensacola Gulf Beach Pier extends 1,471 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. This location along the birding trail provides opportunities to spot seabirds. Bring your binoculars or a spotting scope for a chance to spot Common Loons and Northern Gannets. If you’re lucky, you may also spot a dolphin or two.

The pier sits across the street from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk—a destination filled with pleasant boutiques and tantalizing dining options. Oysters and Po-Boy Sandwiches are a must at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Nearby Flounder’s Chowder House served one of the best fish chowders I’ve ever had.

The Bushwacker, a frozen rum and coffee liquor drink, evolved on Pensacola’s beloved beach. Stop by The Sandshaker near the pier for the original tasty beverage and listen to some live music. I also recommend grabbing an outdoor table at Red Fish Blue Fish’s to sample their version of this cocktail and some fresh mahi-mahi tacos.

America’s 1st Settlement Trail

Once you’ve explored the birding and hiking trails, consider heading into downtown Pensacola to discover the America’s 1st Settlement Trail. I enjoyed walking along the three-mile path past the foundations of Fort San Miguel, which dates back to 1756. The trail passes by the Pensacola Museum of History, Old Christ Church, and Seville Square with its graceful live oak trees.

The settlement trail highlights 260 years of history as well as Mediterranean Revival, French Creole, and Victorian architecture. I loved the intricate wrought iron balconies that lined the buildings along South Palafox Street. Bodacious Café is a perfect spot to sip a signature honey latte and enjoy the scenery.

Outdoor Fun and Sun

This Gulf Coast paradise entices nature lovers as part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. However, this outdoor gem, filled with maritime forests, also has magnificent crystal white sand public beaches. Visitors can select from various outdoor activities ranging from paddle boarding, diving, biking, and fishing.

Pensacola’s waterways also offer the chance to get on the water. You can speed along the ocean in a 40-ft. Condor racing trimaran or take a ferry tour of the bay. I enjoyed watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which are based in Pensacola, soar during their practice run on the Blue Angels Practice Cruise with the Pensacola Bay City Ferry.

Beginner bird watchers and experienced outdoors people will enjoy exploring Pensacola and the surrounding state parks and national seashore. The spring and fall bird migration is a perfect time to visit. However, you’ll find that Pensacola’s history and activities lead to a great time year-round.

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