Free birding backpacks on loan at libraries

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

Photo/Broward Library

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.

Photo/Broward Parks

Other useful & entertaining things libraries offer on loan

Libraries loan laptops, electronics and other gear for free

Parks

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

• Fern Forest, which 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.
• Secret Woods, which 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.
• 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.

Photo: Broward Parks Department

More South Florida parks and natural areas