Birds of a feather flock to Lake Apopka North Shore

It’s easy to see why Lake Apopka North Shore, one of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s most popular properties, is a renowned birding destination. Upon entering the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, a popular feature of the North Shore, visitors see birds. And not just one or two varieties either—377 different species of birds have been spotted on the property, more than any inland site in the United States, including the Everglades. On any given day, visitors may see osprey, anhinga, great blue heron, bald eagle, red-winged blackbird, red-shouldered hawk and snowy egret, to name a few.

A group gathers at dawn for a sunrise birding excursion at the Clay Island Overlook, overlooking Lake Apopka. Photo credit: Milton Heiberg via northshorebirdingfestival.com

Lake Apopka, the fourth-largest lake in the state, serves as the headwaters of the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes. Since the late 1980s, the District and partners have made significant strides in improving water quality and habitat through marsh and floodplain restoration, as well as the creation of a marsh flow-way system that filters the lake’s water by circulating it through restored wetlands. These efforts not only benefit water quality but also support the diverse wildlife populations that call the North Shore home.

Given its reputation as a birding mecca, it’s no surprise the North Shore hosts a variety of birding events throughout the year, attracting birders, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers and anyone passionate about the outdoors. Among those is the North Shore Birding Festival, taking place Dec. 5–9. This event offers expert-led field trips to explore not only the North Shore but prime birding spots across central Florida, including the District’s Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area and Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park.

“We’re celebrating our ninth year hosting this festival. We’re all volunteers, and while it’s a lot of work, it’s incredibly rewarding to offer people the chance to experience these amazing birding locations,” says Deborah Green, president of the Orange Audubon Society and committee chair for the event. “The diversity of species here is unmatched, and birders travel from all over to join us—last year we had people from 18 different states and 70 cities across Florida.”

Over five days, field trips are offered from sunrise to sunset, with a variety of options including car, foot, kayak and bicycle-based excursions. Some trips are specifically tailored to various interests, such as photography, bird identification by ear, or young birders. There’s truly something for everyone.

Another exciting event, the Christmas Bird Count, will take place at the North Shore on Dec. 19. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running community science project in the world, offering a snapshot of bird populations across North America. The event was established in 1900 by pioneering ornithologist Frank Chapman, who encouraged people to count, rather than hunt, birds during the holiday season.

The count, conducted by volunteers and administered by the National Audubon Society, takes place from Dec. 14–Jan. 5. Volunteers work in “count circles,” each with a 15-mile radius, to identify and tally bird species within assigned zones. Teams cover as much ground as possible within a 24-hour period, helping track winter bird populations and monitor long-term trends. Beyond its scientific value, it’s also a fun, festive event that brings birders together to celebrate the beauty of nature.

District staff work with volunteers to identify bird species on the District’s Lake Apopka North Shore property during the annual Christmas Bird Count.

The North Shore falls within the Zellwood-Mount Dora count circle and is open to birders of all experience levels. “Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, there’s a place for you,” says Gallus Quigley, organizer of the Zellwood-Mount Dora count circle. “We typically count 135–145 species, and the more eyes, the better.”

If you can’t make it to the North Shore Birding Festival or Christmas Bird Count, don’t worry—you can still experience the beauty of Lake Apopka North Shore. Visit the District’s online recreation guide for a property map, driving directions and more: www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/lake-apopka/.