Birding is having a moment, and Highlands County is perfectly positioned to take flight with it.
Once considered a quiet pastime, birding has rapidly evolved into one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreation trends in the country, attracting a new generation of travelers seeking nature-based, meaningful experiences. Highlands County is emerging as a prime destination for both novice and experienced birders alike.
“Birding today is part adventure, part mindfulness, and incredibly accessible,” said Casey Hartt, Tourism Director for Highlands County. “What makes Highlands County special is that you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot to experience something truly remarkable.”
Located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America’s migratory routes, Highlands County welcomes millions of birds each year. The region’s unique geography, anchored by the ancient Lake Wales Ridge, creates a rare ecosystem of scrub habitat, oak hammocks, and freshwater lakes that support a diverse range of species, including several found nowhere else on Earth.
To help introduce visitors to the experience, the Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC)/Visit Sebring recently published “Beyond the Binoculars: A Beginner’s Guide to Birding in the Sebring Area,” blog post on VisitSebring.com. It highlights local hotspots, expert insights, and easy ways to get started.
Among the area’s top birding destinations:
- Highlands Hammock State Park offers miles of scenic trails, an elevated boardwalk, and opportunities to spot species like barred owls in a setting often described as “Old Florida at its finest.”
- Archbold Biological Station is world-renowned as one of the only places to reliably see the Florida Scrub-Jay, a rare species found exclusively in Florida’s scrub habitat.
- Lake Istokpoga is known for its impressive number of bald eagle nests and one of the largest osprey populations in the world.
- Lake June-in-Winter provides ideal conditions for spotting elegant wading birds such as herons and egrets.
- Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area offers trails through diverse habitats for birders seeking both hiking and wildlife viewing.
Local expertise also plays a key role in the experience. According to Roberta Lake of the Highlands County Audubon Society, birding is as simple as slowing down and paying attention.
“Nature doesn’t have a fast-forward button,” Lake said. “Sometimes the best rewards go to those who can just sit, listen, and wait.”
One of birding’s biggest appeals is its accessibility. Beginners can get started with little more than comfortable shoes, a basic pair of binoculars, and a smartphone app like Merlin Bird ID, which helps identify birds by sight or sound. Even the Sebring Public Library offers binoculars for day use, making it easier than ever to try the hobby.
Peak birding seasons in Highlands County include winter months, when migratory species arrive, and the spring and fall migration periods in April and October.
As interest in eco-tourism and outdoor recreation continues to grow, Highlands County is embracing birding as a natural fit for its landscape and lifestyle by offering visitors an authentic, affordable, and unforgettable way to connect with nature.
“Whether you’re spotting a bald eagle, encountering a curious scrub-jay, or simply enjoying a quiet moment outdoors, birding offers something truly special,” Hartt added. “It’s an experience that reflects the heart of Highlands County.”
To read the full beginner’s guide and learn more about birding in the Sebring area, visit VisitSebring.com and click on “Blog.”
Photo Credit: Brenda Fishbaugh
