Ocala National Forest: Salt Springs

Enter at the spring entrance, or park and hike for free at the trailhead just S of the springs.  A wooded trail offers migrants in season, and at the water’s edge, look for waders and limpkins.

Directions:  Salt Springs is located just N of the intersection of CR 314 and SR 19 on the NE side of the Ocala National Forest.  The hiking trailhead is 0.5 mi. S of the Salt Springs campground entrance on the E side of the road.  The trail is open 24 hours a day. (352) 685-2048.  http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/

Sportsman’s Cove

This private fish camp on Orange lake is known for its limpkins, wading birds, shorebirds and wintering ducks.  From the waterfront, scope for shorebirds on the flats.  A reasonably priced pontoon tour is available.

Directions:  From I-75 S of Gainesville, take exit #368 (CR318) and go E 2.5 mi to US 441.  Turn left (N) on US 441.  Go 3 mi. into McIntosh.  Turn right E on Ave. F.  The site is 8 blocks E of 441 at the end of Avenue F.

Silver River State Park

Driving into the state park, watch for woodpeckers, turkeys and bobwhites.  Nature trails run between the museum and the river, through oak hammocks.  Watch for migratory songbirds in season, and waders/limpkins by the river.  Call the state park about its fall/winter bird walk “Coffee with the Birds”.

Directions:  From I-75, take SR 40 E 10 mi., thru Ocala to SR 35 (Baseline Rd) in Silver Springs.  Turn right (S) on SR 35 and go approximately 1.2 mi to the entrance on the left (E).  The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.  (352) 236-7148.  Fee.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/silverriver/default.cfm

Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area

This is an excellent site for ducks, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, sparrows and blackbirds.  Hike to the overlook and the levee trail paralleling the wetlands.

Directions:  From downtown Ocala, take SR 40 E 14 mi. to CR 314A.  Turn right (S) on Cr 314A and go 7 mi.  Turn right and follow SE 85th St. less than 1 mi. to the public parking area.  Open sunrise to sunset.  (352) 288-2233. 

http://sjr.state.fl.us/