Putting a trip to Fort Walton Beach, Florida on the calendar is a great way to guarantee some time dedicated to fun, amazing views, and refreshing moments far from the daily hustle. It’s also an opportunity for birding enthusiasts to get their fill of amazing observation points during a stay. Bird watching in Fort Walton Beach is brimming with options to add to the itinerary thanks to the area’s prime location, weather patterns, and rich ecosystems. Fort Walton Beach is teeming with wildlife all year long and as part of Okaloosa County and within reach of South Walton County, it just so happens to be accessible to no less than two major flyways. These are the best bird watching spots in Fort Walton Beach which means those excited to spot feathered creatures of all kinds simply have to know where to go to get the best views on those routes. The Choctawatchee Audubon Society hosts many of the local birding events in and around Fort Walton Beach each year and estimates the area hosts well over 200 species. The diverse landscapes and rich area resources make Fort Walton Beach an oasis of potential for birds, and bird watching alike.
Bird Watching in Fort Walton Beach
If you’re the type of bird watcher that prefers to pair all of that standing still with some hiking as well, you’ll find there are plenty of places in and around town to enjoy both. If you’re willing to travel just about 38 miles east of Fort Walton Beach, you’ll find yourself in Deer Lake State Park which provides prime access to coastal dune lakes, forests, and the Gulf—all of which attract a variety of bird species! Here, there’s a 1.5-mile nature trail to be explored as well that will take you through lush pine forests and offer up more opportunities to spot reclusive birds within the branches. Just 25 miles east of Fort Walton Beach, bird watchers can put their binoculars to work at Point Washington State Forest. The habitats here include cypress swamps sandhills, and coastal scrubs. This destination comes with the benefit of both a 3-mile and 10-mile loop trail to explore when you’re looking to enjoy birding and basking in the natural beauty of the forest.
Bird Watching Closer to Fort Walton Beach
If you’re not wanting to travel far, but want to enhance your bird-watching experience, head over to Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island. Located just next to the Emerald Coast Convention Center, this park is a top area birdwatching destination year-round. Veterans Park sprawls across 14 acres of lush terrain featuring both marshes and ponds that draw birds of all kinds in. Here, it’s entirely possible to spot everything from ospreys and herons to black vultures, purple martins, and surf scooters in a single sitting! Perhaps a less scenic, but equally effective destination to enjoy bird watching during your Okaloosa Island visit is the Okaloosa Compost Center. Unexpected, yes, but it could just be a highlight of your birding adventure. Stop by the weigh station when you drive in and the on-site staff can point you in the direction of the area pond. This is where everything from sparrows and long-billed dowitchers, as well as eastern meadowlarks and ash-throated flycatchers are typically seen foraging.
Check Out the Destin Jetties
If you’re hoping to catch sight of species like Killdeer, osprey, Great Blue herons, tree swallows, and cedar waxwings, you’ll want to make your way to the Destin Jetties. Not only is this a beautiful stop to add to your birding list, but it’s a great place to pair birdwatching with fishing as well. The same fish that draw in anglers draw in shorebirds of all kinds making it a lucrative place to connect with nature.
Try an Afternoon at Henderson Beach State Park
In Henderson Beach State Park alone, over 150 bird species have been reported making it a great place to check out when you’re looking to spot as many birds as possible. The environment here is prime for birding thanks to the shoreline, many nature trails, towering trees, and nesting areas. Some of the species that are most easily and typically spotted include snowy plovers, least terns, and American oystercatchers too. Additionally, there’s a good chance you’ll get a glimpse of red-tailed hawks, great egrets, and ruby-throated hummingbirds if you hang around long enough.
Book Your Getaway Today
When you find your way to Fort Walton Beach, be sure you have accommodations in place that elevate your stay even further. Reach out to The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach today to learn more about booking a stay in one of our luxurious, conveniently located, and endlessly stylish rentals! We’ll handle the details while you focus on the fun. We can’t wait to welcome you to sunny and inviting Florida soon.