Humming Birds

Question

Hi visiting in October, I’ve always wanted to see a Hummingbird, is there a place I can visit?

Thanks xxx

Answer

Florida is a great place to see hummingbirds, especially during October when some species are migrating south. While they can be spotted in many natural areas, certain locations are particularly good for sightings.

Recommended Places to See Hummingbirds in Florida:

Hummingbird Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuaries: Some private gardens and wildlife sanctuaries in central and south Florida offer feeders specifically for hummingbirds, which makes spotting them easier.
Butterfly and Nature Gardens: Places like Butterfly World in Coconut Creek have flowers and feeders that attract hummingbirds along with butterflies, providing a higher chance to see them.
State and National Parks: Parks with abundant native flowering plants, such as Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples), Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (Gainesville), and Everglades National Park, often attract hummingbirds.
Botanical Gardens: Many botanical gardens around Florida, including Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables) and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville), have hummingbird-friendly flowers and feeders.

Tips for Spotting Hummingbirds:

Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to catch their fast movements.
Look for areas with red or brightly colored tubular flowers—they are their favorite.
Early morning or late afternoon is often the best time, as hummingbirds are more active feeding then.
Consider placing a hummingbird feeder in your accommodation if allowed—it can attract them right to you!

With a little planning, you should be able to enjoy watching these tiny, fast, and beautiful birds while visiting Florida in October.