Overview

The City of Dunedin, Florida, is one of those places where Northerners go to escape the cold of winter. Of course, I'm talking about the winter birds. Dunedin is a great place to see birds, many of whom are habituated to humans and allow close approach.

Hammock City Park. A few yards inland from the shore, Hammock City Park, 90-acre natural area with five miles of trails, supports a variety of lowland and upland habitats, including pine-oak woodlands, sandy pine woods, palmetto thickets, black mangrove swamps, and a freshwater pond and marsh. The birds here aren't as habituated to humans as those on the beach, but there are plenty to see. Also watch for alligators, turtles, and frogs around the pond, and lizards and snakes in the wood. Careful observers might even see a gopher tortoise.

Location

Hammock Park (1900 San Mateo Drive, Dunedin, FL) is located south of Michigan Blvd. and east of Bayshore Blvd. Various entrances are provided; watch for signs along both roads. Link to Map.

Hours

Technically open 24 hours, but officially open dawn to dusk.

Fees

None.

Specialties

During winter, keep an eye out for Monk Parakeets, Nanday Parakeets (aka Black-hooded Parakeets), House Wren, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, Downy Woodpeckers, Black-and-White Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Palm Warblers. Eastern Gray Squirrels, Brown Anoles, and freshwater turtles are common, and look carefully for Gopher Tortoises, which are not uncommon. Keep an ear out during the day for Barred Owls. Around the pond, watch for Wood Stork, other waders, and American alligators.

For More Information, visit the official Hammock Park website.