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Epic Birdwatching in Kissimmee

Florida is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and Kissimmee’s wild side offers some of the best birdwatching opportunities year-round.

A roseate spoonbill spreads its pink wings while perched atop green branches against a clear blue Florida sky.

A roseate spoonbill is one of many beautiful bird species you can spot in Kissimmee’s natural spaces.

Here’s the deal: not everyone who visits the Sunshine State is chasing waves or beach umbrellas. Just beyond the coastline lies a wilder, quieter side of Florida, where mornings begin with birdsong, not surf. In Kissimmee and across Osceola County, birdwatchers can trade sandy shores for tranquil lakes, lush wetlands, and sprawling conservation areas filled with life.

Lake Tohopekaliga and Makinson Island Conservation Area

Few places capture Florida’s natural beauty quite like Lake Tohopekaliga, known locally as Lake Toho. Early mornings here are pure magic as the sun reflects off the water and the air fills with the calls of Limpkins, Ospreys, and Great Blue Herons. A short paddle or boat ride away, Makinson Island Conservation Area is a birder’s haven. Keep your binoculars ready for Snail Kites, Hooded Mergansers, White-eyed Vireos, and Loggerhead Shrikes, often spotted along the island’s scenic trails.

A turtle and duck rest on the shoreline beside tall reeds at Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud, Florida, with calm waters and greenery in the background.

A peaceful moment by Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud, where turtles, wading birds, and native plants thrive along the water’s edge.

 

Twin Oaks Conservation Area

For birders who enjoy variety, Twin Oaks Conservation Area delivers. This lakeside gem offers easy walking trails and observation platforms with sweeping views of Lake Toho. It’s a hotspot for Roseate Spoonbills, Sandhill Cranes, and heron, plus the occasional Bald Eagle soaring overhead. Arrive early for the best lighting and a peaceful start to your day surrounded by the sounds of nature.

A bald eagle soars through a bright blue sky with its wings fully extended, showcasing its white head, yellow beak, and sharp talons.

A majestic bald eagle is one of the many incredible bird species you can spot in Kissimmee’s natural areas.

 

Disney Wilderness Preserve

At the southern end of Osceola County lies the Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve, home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals. This vast restoration site is one of the best places in Central Florida to spot the Florida Scrub-Jay, a rare and charismatic bird found nowhere else on Earth. As you walk through longleaf pine forests and open prairies, you might also catch glimpses of Red-shouldered Hawks, Eastern Towhees, and Pileated Woodpeckers.

Person walking along the cypress-lined shore at the Disney Wilderness Preserve near Kissimmee, Florida, surrounded by tree roots and lake views.

A peaceful walk through the Disney Wilderness Preserve reveals towering cypress trees, winding roots, and stunning views of Florida’s natural landscape.

Shingle Creek Regional Park

If you prefer your birdwatching with a side of adventure, grab a kayak and explore Shingle Creek, the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades. Along this winding waterway, you’ll likely encounter Ibis, Egrets, Wood Storks, and even Purple Gallinules. It’s also a great spot for beginners to get hooked on birding. No matter your experience, the wildlife here rarely disappoints.

A couple kayaks along the calm waters of Shingle Creek in Kissimmee, surrounded by lush greenery and cypress trees.

Kayaking through Shingle Creek, the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades, offers peaceful views and incredible birdwatching opportunities in Kissimmee.

From rare kites to pink-plumed spoonbills, Kissimmee’s wetlands and woodlands host a dazzling variety of feathered residents. Whether you’re an expert birder or simply curious about the natural world, the skies and shores of Osceola County invite you to slow down, look closer, and discover Florida’s truly wild side.

It's not any one thing that makes Kissimmee so unique when it comes to watching wildlife. It's the broad range of experiences; from serene paddle trips complete with otter sightings to spotting alligators while on an exciting swamp buggy ride. It's a place with uncommon beauty and so many opportunities for wildlife lovers of all ages and skill levels. That's Kissimmee.

Plan your next wildlife watching adventure in Kissimmee!

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