How to Do Birding

Osprey

I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors, so I’ve certainly seen my fair share of ospreys, herons, pelicans, and sandhill cranes, but I’ve never really considered myself to be much of a bird watcher. In fact, you probably never considered yourself to be one, either. But, I bet you got pretty excited the first time you saw a bald eagle. Guess what? Bam! Turns out you’re a bird watcher just like me.

Since my recent visit to Audubon Center Birds of Prey, I’ve realized that maybe we should pay more attention to birds. There are over 800 different species of birds in North America — and many of them migrate or are native to Florida. They’re also major part of our ecosystem and play a vital role in keeping with the balance of nature; they pollinate flowers, spread seeds around, and control the overpopulation of insects and rodents, for starters.

Peregrine falcon

I also found out that bird watching, or birding, is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. What a great hobby! It gets you out into nature, you can do it alone or with friends or family, and pretty much anybody at any age can do it. Plus, it’s affordable — all you really need is a good pair of binoculars.
So, the next time you’re hiking, fishing, or just going outside to get the mail — open your eyes and your ears. You’ll be surprised what you may find.

How to start birdwatching: https://www.audubon.org/birding

Check out some great birdwatching trails near me in Seminole County:

Other great links to check out about Florida birds:
http://floridabirdingtrail.com/bird-sort-page
http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds
http://fl.audubon.org
https://ebird.org
http://auduboncenterforbirdsofprey.org

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Chad

About the Host/Creator

As a native Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he’s made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida with Chad Crawford began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. The more he travels the state, meeting people whose livelihood is the land (and water), the more aware he has become of the issues facing Florida – namely the water crisis. He has worked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture, Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, and author Richard Louv in directed efforts to help preserve Florida’s natural resources, and to communicate how we can all be part of solving the environmental problems the state is facing today.

Recognizing that the next generation needs be part of this conversation, he created an Emmy award-winning kids’ show, The Outsiders Club. The series is geared toward kids and young families, takes place outdoors, and educates viewers in a fun and meaningful way about how they can care for Florida’s environment. Chad uses his platforms to create fans of Florida, but more importantly, he’s interested in creating advocates for Florida. He often says, “When people experience the real Florida they are more likely to take interest in the issues that affect it.” His famous sign-off “Get out and Do Florida” has incited a movement of people, stoking renewed interest in our state’s environmental issues. He encourages his fans to both enjoy Florida and be part of preserving its resources, saying, “If we all do just a little, well, that’s a lot.” Chad and his wife live in Central Florida with their four children.

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