A Manatee County park just got a special Florida honor. It’s all about the birds
A Manatee County park has joined a list of Florida natural areas known for their wonderful bird-viewing opportunities.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has selected Robinson Preserve in Bradenton as one of 14 new additions to its Great Florida Birding Trail.
“When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail,” the program’s website says.
Locals know Robinson Preserve as a spot to see many bird species, including ospreys, eagles, songbirds, woodpeckers and a host of colorful wading birds.
Just how many different birds can you see there?
Over 200 species have been documented at the park, FWC said in a news release.
The birding trail has grown to include more than 500 stops around Florida since it launched in 2000.
Trail stops are chosen based on their “unique wildlife viewing opportunities and ecological significance, educational opportunities, access for the public and resilience to recreational use,” the program says.
Robinson Preserve joins four other Manatee County sites — Coquina Beach Baywalk at Leffis Key Preserve, Duette Preserve, Emerson Point Preserve and Greer Island Beach — that were previously added to the birding trail.
Opened in 2008, Robinson Preserve has grown to 682 acres. The preserve offers exercise trails and boardwalks that wind through mangrove and tidal marsh habitat, plus picnic areas, kayak launches and the NEST education center and canopy walk. The land was formerly used for agriculture, and grant money has funded extensive habitat restoration efforts there.
Parks on the birding trail are featured on a state website and are designated with “Great Florida Birding Trail” recreational signs. Look for a square brown sign featuring a swallow-tailed kite — another bird that can be spotted at Robinson Preserve.
“The ultimate goal of the Trail is to encourage conservation of Florida’s native habitats and species,” the program’s website says.
It also offers a monthly newsletter and tips for beginner bird-watchers, from binocular recommendations to field guide suggestions.