Lake City—Florida’s Springlands is a celebrated birding destination in North Central Florida, drawing birdwatchers from near and far thanks to its rich diversity of habitats and accessible birding spots. You can expect to spot an exciting range of bird species here, including the elusive Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Bachman’s Sparrow. With easy access to public lands and organized birding events like the Four Rivers Audubon Society’s “Alliwalks” at Alligator Lake Park, Columbia County offers both seasoned birders and newcomers an exceptional opportunity to explore and enjoy the region’s vibrant birdlife.
To learn more about the birdwatching opportunities in Lake City, we caught up with John A. Middleton Jr., a dedicated board member of the Four Rivers Audubon Society. John was able to share precious insights and insider tips that every birdwatcher needs to know. Keep reading to maximize your birding adventures in Florida’s Springlands!
Let’s dive into our chat with John and learn more about what makes Lake City—and Columbia County as a whole—such an ideal destination for birders. His perspective offers a closer look at the region’s unique habitats, the exciting bird species you might spot on your outings, and some of the top locations for birdwatching in Florida’s Springlands.
INTRODUCTION TO BIRDING IN COLUMBIA COUNTY
Let’s dive into our chat with John and learn more about what makes Lake City—and Columbia County as a whole—such an ideal destination for birders. His perspective offers a closer look at the region’s unique habitats, the exciting bird species you might spot on your outings, and some of the top locations for birdwatching in Florida’s Springlands.
What makes Columbia County a unique and special place for birdwatching in Florida?
“The geological features, especially on and along the Cody Escarpment, make for productive and varied habitats. Much of that land is in the public domain and open to recreational access.”
Can you describe the various habitats and ecosystems that birdwatchers can explore in Columbia County?
“Let me offer just a couple of examples, as one could do a semester of study on just this question! The Sandhill habitat and Longleaf Pine communities in Osceola National Forest and elsewhere in the county are productive and offer some unique bird species, such as Bachman’s Sparrow and, of course, the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
Alligator Lake Park, while so easily accessible to the people of Lake City, offers not only very rich freshwater wetland habitats but some very productive upland areas too. Four Rivers Audubon conducts an outing known as our ‘Alliwalk’ beginning at 8 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month from September through May at the park because it is so rich a birding location.”
What are some of the most popular birding spots in Columbia County?
“We’ve already discussed two of the most popular. Another that simply cannot be missed is Ichetucknee Springs State Park. And there’s one site with restricted access that can be very productive—the Lake City Wetlands is a water treatment wetland. But to enjoy it, you’ll need to attend an organized visit, like Four Rivers Audubon’s outing there on January 18, 2025!”
What are the best times of year for birdwatching in Columbia County, and what makes these times special?
“Every season is different, and all of them can offer some wonderful birding opportunities. We speak of fall and spring migration, but in a sense, migration never ends, as each migratory species has its own schedule.
My personal favorite, though, is spring. That begins early here, thanks to our mild climate. By late February or early March, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will return after that long flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Common Yellowthroats, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, and many more begin singing their spring chorus at about the same time. And as spring progresses, each returning species joins that chorus and exhibits the exciting rituals of their breeding season.
Summer is a great time to observe the year’s reproductive successes, to watch parents feed their young, and witness the heightened activity as birds feed heavily in preparation for their southerly journey.”
“The two species mentioned earlier are great examples. Bachman’s Sparrow populations are declining across the species’ southeastern US range due to habitat loss. The best remaining populations are in Florida. Are there any unique or rare bird species that birdwatchers might encounter in Columbia County?
“The two species mentioned earlier are great examples. Bachman’s Sparrow populations are declining across the species’ southeastern US range due to habitat loss. The best remaining populations are in Florida. That’s because of some good land management practices, including prescribed fire, staying within the proper rotation schedule.
And, of course, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker population in Osceola National Forest is one of the strongest and most resilient. The forest has been the focus of research and the source of birds for repopulation efforts for years. And remember, birds can fly; that means just about any bird species may wander into just about any place. You never know when a rarity will show up (and they do, all the time!)”
We noticed that Four Rivers Audubon hosts “Alliwalks” at certain times of the year. Can you tell us a little about what visitors can expect on these walks?
“Yes, our first Alliwalk of the 2024/25 season will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024. We meet at the main parking lot at Alligator Lake Park on Country Club Rd at 8 a.m. The outing is usually over before lunch, though folks are welcome to leave early if they need to. In many months, some will stay late and continue to explore.
Experienced and newer birders alike are welcome. The outing is free, and we usually have a few extra binoculars for those not so equipped. We strive to keep things informal and help folks find and learn to identify the various birds (and butterflies, plants, etc.) we’re witnessing.”
TIPS FROM AN EXPERIENCED BIRDER
John A. Middleton Jr. didn’t just share where to find birds in the area but also provided invaluable advice on how to make the most of your birding experience in Columbia County. His recommendations will surely enhance your birdwatching outings, whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning your journey into this rewarding hobby.
What are some of the best ways for visitors to make the most of their birding trip to Columbia County?
“Well, of course, folks should invest in good binoculars and learn how to use them (here’s a helpful video exercise about using binoculars). Get a good birding reference and become familiar with it. Most folks today purchase one of the Bird ID applications, such as the Sibley Guide. If you plan to go birding regularly, look into eBird for keeping track of what you’ve seen and where—and contributing to important citizen science work as you do so!
My best advice, personally, when you first arrive at your birding destination, is to stop and breathe. If so inclined, do deep breathing exercises to center yourself. Let go of all of life’s other distractions for a few moments. Allow your eyes to begin to see, your ears to begin to hear, and the central reaches of your mind to embrace the beauty and interdependence of the living things around you.
Finally, at the end of your outing, ask yourself, ‘Am I grateful for this day/hour/moment afield?’ More often than not, the answer will be, ‘Yes!’ And that may be independent of the number of species you’ve counted, the rarity of that ‘one good bird.’ When that’s the case—you’re a birder!”
Are there any specific bird species that are easier for beginners to identify and observe in Columbia County?
“A link on our website leads to a page entitled ‘An Introduction to Birding by Ear in North Central Florida.’ That page offers not only the song but also photos and basic information about a handful of local species.
It’s also a great idea to scan through a field guide (in this case, a paperbound book is best) and simply look for birds you recognize. Then, read about them. What is the species’ range? Do they migrate? What do they eat?”
What should beginners look for in terms of bird behavior and habitat to increase their chances of spotting different species?
“I firmly believe that the best way to learn more about birds is to go birding with more with other birders, especially if the group includes some more experienced members (and it almost always will!)
That said, when out on your own, try to figure out what a bird is doing when you see it. Is it eating? If so, what is it eating? Why is it where it is?”
How can birdwatchers contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying their hobby?
“The best advice is to follow the old adage — edited to include the result of plirding (which is picking up trash while birding): ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints and a cleaner, safer trail.’
Keep an eye out for damage to trails and habitat and report them to the appropriate agency.
Be aware of conservation issues here and attend public hearings as you are able.”
ABOUT JOHN A. MIDDLETON JR.
After years of capturing the beauty of birds through his lens, John A. Middleton Jr. has become a pillar of the birdwatching scene in Columbia County. Let’s take a closer look at the man behind the binoculars to learn about how his birding journey began and some of his favorite birding stories.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work with Four Rivers Audubon and the birding community in Columbia County?
“I started birding after an undergraduate Ornithology course five decades ago. Having bought my first telephoto lens, I began trying to photograph these beautiful subjects. But my first experiences with other organized birding groups were pretty negative, and I didn’t bird with such groups again for nearly 40 years. Upon retirement, I happened to meet a couple of folks who invited me to go to an Alliwalk. The people there made the difference, and I was hooked. Now, I’ve met countless kind and interesting folk. I’ve learned far more about birds than that course in ’73.”
When did you become passionate about birding, and what inspired you to get into this activity?
“The bird that made me a dedicated bird photographer was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. I’d obtained my first telephoto lens and was trying hard but unsuccessfully to get some sharp, well-exposed bird photos. Finally, I succeeded with a tiny Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, which paused its constant motion just long enough. Later, when I showed that photo to my mother, who liked the birds in the yard but was no birder, she fell in love with the species. On my next visit, she told me she’d seen the species in her Jacksonville yard. All these years later, and I still love that species because of that moment.”
Can you share a story about a particularly rare or exciting bird sighting that you’ve experienced in Columbia County?
“At the Christmas Bird Count a couple of years ago, I was assigned to the Osceola National Forest route. I was joined by another Four Rivers Audubon member who told me right away how much she hoped to see a Red-cockaded Woodpecker. She’d been to the forest many times but never was able to locate one. Well, we found several of them that day. Three of them flew into a tree right over our heads and vocalized as they interacted. A goal she’d pursued was fulfilled, and that was, for me, the highlight of the Count!”
Lake City’s rich birdwatching opportunities offer something for every birder, from the seasoned veteran to the curious beginner. With insights from experienced locals like John A. Middleton Jr., you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your birding adventures in Florida’s Springlands.
