This year, we are happy to host the Grand Opening of the Great Florida Birding Trail during the Festival. For the first time, the list of accepted sites will be made available to the public in the form of a commemorative map guide. The opening of this first section of the trail will unveil some of Florida's best-kept birding secrets. Guided birding hayrides on Black Point Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge will initiate the Trails' use on Sunday following the opening ceremonies. The late fall season in Florida is the most beautiful time of the year.
Cool fronts move in and diminish the fiery heat of summer.
Wildflowers bloom profusely and butterflies and dragonflies flutter about in the crisp clear air. Manatees bunch up getting ready to move to warmer waters when serious cold weather threatens. Fall leaf colors have just begun here, long after the leaves have fallen in cooler climates. Songbird migration is nearing the end, however there are usually enough remaining birds around to make things interesting. Many of the winter migratory birds are already here escaping the cold weather.