“Let’s Go Birding! Basics of Birdwatching”

For fun, free outdoor excursions, lots of people delight in nature walks in parks.  For extra fun, direct your attention on birds. If you're interested in bird watching or birding, libraries in Broward and greater Palm Beach loan equipment for free.

 Sierra Taliaferro, a parks naturalist in Broward, offers some information on the delightful activity.

“All birds are interesting to watch,” Sierra says. “Some are more active and vocal, while others are very dainty and quiet.”

The songs & sounds are also interesting. Northern cardinals sound like a laser gun, Sierra says.  Blue Jays sound like a car alarm, “because they mimic sounds around them in their environment.”

Broward

Broward Library's backpacks include:

• binoculars,  1 for grown-up & 1 for youngster
• guidebook on Florida birds

Birdwatching Backpacks are on loan  from various Broward libraries. If your favorite library doesn't  stock them, please request the staff order it for you for pick-up.

For borrowing backpacks, you'll need your library card, which is free for eligible residents.

Information about Broward libraries is online.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach County Libraries loan Birding Backpacks, including  binoculars for an adult and 2 kids, a folding laminated guide of Florida birds, information about parks and other birding locations, Information is online

Information about registering for a library account is online.

 

Parks

Plenty of parks  in South Florida offer natural areas perfect for nature walks & birdwatching, including

• Fern Forest, features several nature paths, including its elevated boardwalk into cypress/maple swamp, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063, 954-357-5198, free entry & free parking, read our feature Nature Trails & Free Entry at Fern Forest in North Broward
• Secret Woods, includes a boardwalk overlooking the New River, and assorted other nature walks, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania Beach 33312,  954-357-8884, free entry & free parking, read feature

Information about Broward Parks is online. For some parks, weekend & holiday fees are $1.50 per person.

Information about Florida State Parks is online. Entry fees for state parks usually $2-$10 per person or per vehicle

Information about Palm Beach county parks andPalm Beach county natural areas

Information about Miami-Dade parks 

For local parks, refer to the website for your town.

Featured image/Broward Parks department