Florida is known for its many vacation destinations, including the large area of preserved park for wildlife and for public viewing. The Tibet-Butler Preserve in Orlando, FL is recognized as one of the great Florida birding trails. The southwest shore of Lake Tibet-Butler features over four miles of trails and boardwalks extending out from the Vera Carter Environmental Center. The bay, swamps, marshes and pine flatwoods hold a variety of wildlife which attracts nature enthusiasts from near and afar.
The visitor center features a schedule of special programs and naturalist-led hikes. The Tarflower Loop Trail navigates the scrub community, home to gopher tortoises, indigo snakes and other burrowing park residents. Two boardwalks traverse wetlands where a variety of birds such as, herons and egrets, pileated, downy and red-bellied woodpeckers, yellow-rumped warblers and kingfishers are commonly spotted. The Fallen Log Crossing Trail is a short trail and a good place to spot swallow-tailed kites during the spring and summer months. Red-tailed hawks, ospreys and the bald eagles that regularly nest on the preserve. Stop at the bird feeders at the visitor center and check for blue jays, cardinals, tufted titmice and other common songbirds. These are only a few of the birds, mammals and reptiles which are commonly seen throughout the preserve.
While visiting the family attractions of Orlando, FL, taking time to step away from the fast paced vacation to enjoy nature is usually welcomed retreat. The calm, quiet nature of the preserve filled with songs of various birds created a beautiful melody for all that trek the various trails.
