Saddle Creek Park

This park boasts an impressive list of birds with over 175 species recorded. The restoration efforts at this important stopover site are impressive, considering the park was a phosphate mine up until the 1960s. Driving in, along either Saddle Creek Park Rd. or Morgan Combee Rd., search the wetlands for Glossy Ibis and Limpkin. At the north end of the park, leave your car at the trailhead parking lot and walk east to the observation tower for a great view and the chance to see Bald Eagles and Swallow-tailed Kites. For the best chance to see wood-warblers hike south along the Nature Trail (dead-end trail, return the same way) through the mixed hardwood and cypress forest during spring and fall migration. During migration it is one of Central Florida’s best warbler hotspots; over 30 species have been recorded including Bay-breasted, Canada, Cerulean, Golden-winged and Wilson’s. Rarities such as Black-throated Gray Warbler and Phialadelphia Vireo have been recorded. The Lake Region Audubon Society leads bird walks during fall migration; call the Street Audubon Nature Center for details.