Florida Wildlife Hotspots

Florida Wildlife Hotspots for Every Month of the Year

Where to Look Now

Everything in nature is governed by the seasons and weather. Every month has its wildlife viewing specialties, and some opportunities go on for many weeks or months.

Wildlife viewing in Florida requires subtlety, time and patience. There are no guarantees animals and nature will abide by their normal internal clocks.

But that's part of the challenge, and what makes wildlife and nature viewing even more interesting.

January Hotspots: Tromp though a swamp on a guided tour. See manatees, above or below water.

February Hotspots: Bald eagles are on their nests in Central Florida, for North Shore Wildlife Drive at Lake Apopka
this is a peak month

March Hotspots: See nesting roseate spoonbills in South Florida or enjoy the amazing display of spring wildflowers.

April Hotspots: 100,000 nesting sooty terns in the Dry Tortugas, nesting brown pelicans on both coasts, ranger-led activities in national parks, nesting roseate spoonbills in Central Florida and more.

May Hotspots: Some of Florida's most colorful birds are nesting this month, including ospreys and red-cockaded woodpeckers. Also, it's time to make reservations for summer turtle walks to view nesting sea turtles.

June Hotspots: Loggerhead turtles are nesting on Florida east coast beaches. The nesting process is one of nature's most amazing sights.

September Hotspots: Start of the fall hawk migration, excellent time to view the tiny Key deer.

October Hotspots: Monarch butterflies stream into Florida and North Florida starts its color change.

November Hotspot: Manatees start gathering near warm water springs. Wintering waterfowl make their first appearance

December Hotspots: Birds are the main theme. View wintering waterfowl at close quarters. Or join a Christmas Bird Count with the Audubon Society.