Looking for the perfect place to spot feathered friends in flight, on the water and more? The Black Hammock is the place to be! Whether you’re relaxing with a drink by the water, or enjoying one of our famous Orlando airboat rides, you have unparalleled opportunities to spot beautiful birds in action.
Just read on as we share a few simple tips for discovering birds on your Black Hammock adventure.
Learn about local birds
Before you head out on your birding adventure, you will want to know what to look for. Fortunately, our Black Hammock birding guide is here to help. Visit our guide online to learn about feathered friends such as the…
- Cattle egret, named for its tendency to hang out with cattle in pastures and eat the insects the cows disturb.
- Great blue heron, whose wingspan can reach a majestic seven feet in length!
- White ibis, known for its beautiful plumage and color legs used to wading in the mud and water for frogs, slugs and other snacks.
Listen before you look
While we might naturally associate birds with their beautiful appearances—white ibises are white, flamingos are pink, great blue herons are, well, blue—there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to birding at The Black Hammock. You will want to get to know the sounds of your favorite birds in order to “spot” them before you actually see them. For example, snowy egrets are known for their noisy calls during breeding season, while others, like the little blue heron, are generally silent—with the exception of low croaks or louder screaming sounds when fighting! Of course, our resident macaws, Baby and Morgan, are known for being very chatty, and may even growl or meow if they like you.
The bottom line? Listen closely and you’ll discover a beautiful symphony of sound—of squawks, squeaks, croaks and chirps—that adds a layer of intrigue to your back-to-nature Black Hammock experience!
Bring binoculars and smart shades
To bring your birding adventure to the next level, feel free to bring along a pair of binoculars to scan the area when you’re lounging around lakeside before or after your ride—our trees, marshes and open water are all home to a wide variety of feathered friends. You may also want to pack a pair of polarized sunglasses, which reduce the sun’s glare on the water and let you spot details—like playful birds at the surface—that much more easily.
Discover Bird Island
Beautiful Bird Island is a one-of-a-kind feature on Lake Jesup, perfect for spotting all sorts of birds as your airboat ride circles around the natural destination. If you’re an especially avid birder, our special one-hour ride offers an even closer look at Bird Island and other canals on Lake Jesup, offering an up-close look at the feathered friends, gators and other animals who call our slice of Florida “home.”
Kick back and relax
Another great way to experience Lake Jesup is from the relaxing digs of our Lazy Gator Bar! Enjoy a delicious drink, like our two-for-one Margaritas, and cool off as you watch birds play, dance and swoop along the horizon in search of a delicious snack.
Ready to book your birding adventure? Visit our rides page and get to know our nook of natural Florida before you visit! We can’t wait to see you soon.
