Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    James R. Karels, Director

MYAKKA STATE FOREST
Birding Recreation Areas

Located in southwestern Sarasota County on Florida’s west coast, Myakka State Forest (MSF) acts as host for a myriad of permanent as well as seasonal residents. The forest is a favorite nesting place for many varieties of birds (over 100 species have been identified on the forest), whose varied requirements are met among the natural communities at MSF. Those communities include mesic flatwoods, depression and seasonal marshes, wet prairies, mesic hammock, tidal marshes, scrub, scrubby flatwoods and tidal creeks.

Along the western edge of the South Loop Trail is a great birding hot spot. Bordering on a wetlands, bird watchers report seeing Sedge Wrens, Bachman’s Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows, and even Merlins. Running along the forest borders both on Jennings Road and Winchester Boulevard, where there are scrub habitats, Scrub Jays are often seen and may even fly right up to you. Along Shell Drive, coveys of Northern Bobwhite can be seen ducking in and out of the grasses. Red-shouldered Hawks are sighted overhead and Loggerhead Shrike and Killdeer are in abundance… watch where you step as there are ground nests in the area! We also have some Sandhill Cranes who drop in and loudly announce their arrival with their loud rattling call.

Out on the dock overlooking the Myakka River, shorebirds abound, venturing to Ainger Creek and Myakkahatchee Creek during the day to feed. It’s not unusual to see Wood Storks, Great Egrets and White Ibis along with Anhingas in these areas. Of course the time of day, season, weather conditions and other factors will affect which birds are out and about. Nearly 20 miles of trails present wonderful opportunities to find the birds of MSF. A picnic area is available and benches are placed periodically along both the North and South Loop trails. Want to stay longer? Primitive camping sites are available by reservation at the forest office. Historical birding information is available on eBird.org. Stop at the State Forest Headquarters for maps and literature on birding at Myakka State Forest.

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