Florida is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a variety of nesting and migrating birds. Surrounded by water with many waterways, rivers, and lakes, the state creates a viable habitat for a variety of birds. Much of that habitat lies within Sarasota County and surrounding areas with several preserves, parks, and trails that provide ample opportunities for birding in Venice Florida.
What you’ll see
Florida rests along the Atlantic Flyway, which stretches for more than 3,000 miles from the Arctic tundra to the Caribbean. The Great Florida Birding Trail holds 510 premier viewing sites across the state, including 13 of them in Sarasota County. See hundreds of different birds including the crested caracara, black skimmer, blue heron, roseate spoonbill, and so many more.
Best birding trails in Venice
Many of the parks and stops along the Great Florida Birding Trail are found in or near Venice Florida. These trails and parks are great for getting out on your own two feet and discovering what you can spot with your own two eyes or binoculars.
- Venetian Waterways Trail – The Venetian Waterway Park is a scenic 10-mile trail that was developed to give users an outdoor experience surrounded by the natural beauty of Venice, Florida. The winding concrete pathway takes you through downtown Venice, past historic buildings and murals, and into natural parks full of wildlife, including nesting and migrating birds. Part of what makes this a great trail for birding is its proximity to the intercoastal waterways.
- Sleeping Turtle Preserve North – The Sleeping Turtles Preserve is divided into two sections, the North and South Preserve. Both sections are accessed from the same trailhead. We suggest accessing the North route from the Venice Beach Village. The North section encompasses 173 acres of floodplain swamps, pine Flatwoods, wetlands, and a peaceful habitat for gopher tortoises, alligators, songbirds, and more. The trail also provides beautiful views of the Myakka River from the area’s scenic bluffs.
- Jelks Preserve Trail – Jelks Preserve features 614 acres of natural preserve with eight miles of trail along the Myakka River. Discover wet prairie and freshwater swamps with sandy trails to guide you through. Envelope under a canopy of trees where you can spot warblers, barred owls, vieros, and a variety of other birds. At the river overlooks, visitors can see ospreys, egrets, and herons.
Other birding sites include:
- Caspersen Beach Park
- Legacy Trail
- Nokomis Beach Park
- Venice Myakka River Park
- Turtle Beach Park
- Shamrock Park and Nature Center
- And so many more…
Venice Area Audubon Rookery
Internationally known to bird photographers, the Venice Area Audubon Rookery is one of the best places for birding in Venice Florida. Both photographers and birders from near and far come to the rookery to enjoy and photograph nesting birds during January, February, and March. Although these months are the busiest time of the year, the Rookery has visitors all year round. The rookery is on a small island in a very small lake. Even at that, during nesting time it is quite crowded with Great Blue Heron and Great Egrets and some Anhingas and Night Herons. The best time to photograph is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Stay at Venice Beach Villas
To experience the best of birding in Venice Florida, book your stay at Venice Beach Villas. Located just minutes from some of the best birding spots in the state, Venice Beach Villas is also within walking distance to the beach and downtown. Choose from a variety of accommodations, including our one and two-bedroom villas, plus studios and efficiencies, all with kitchens and comfortable living space. Plus, on-site amenities include our relaxing pool, free us of our beach cruisers, and so much more to make your stay enjoyable!
