Discovering a Passion for Birding in Florida
By Anne Marlowe Conrad
After moving to Central Florida last year, my husband, Bo, and I became fast friends with Lee Sommie and his wife, Angela. During dinner one evening, I joked about how Floridians might be exaggerating the prevalence of alligators, as I still had not seen a single one. Lee confidently replied, “I can show you all the gators you’ll ever want to see.”
Lee, an avid birder, suggested we visit the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, a well-known spot for alligators, birdwatching and other wildlife. The next morning, we met Lee at the entrance. He surprised us by bringing along a massive camera lens attached to his camera. Bringing his Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM meant he was clearly prepared for some serious wildlife photography. With snacks, water, and excitement, we all piled into our F-150 and set off for adventure.
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile, one-way route through former farmland. It's home to about 367 bird species and a variety of other wildlife, making it a prime location for sightings. Just a quarter mile in, we spotted our first of many alligators! Lee shared birding insights and pointed out different species like anhinga, purple gallinules, cormorants, red-shouldered hawks, and stunning ospreys. We also talked about how Florida is a gateway state for bird migration. Many species see Florida as their first landfall after migrating across the Gulf of Mexico on their way to breeding grounds. It’s one of the best places to see a wide variety of birds.
I became fascinated by how birders contribute to conservation through species documentation and their efforts to protect wildlife habitat. By the end of the morning, I was eager to learn more about birding and get some gear of my own.
Seeing my enthusiasm, Bo surprised me with a new camera a few days later, knowing how I aim to get better at photographing birds and wildlife. While practicing my shots at the Oakland Nature Preserve on another part of Lake Apopka, I noticed a man walking toward me and was amazed that he used a wagon to carry his own giant camera lens, like Lee’s. Curious, I asked him if he too was a birder, and he confirmed it. His name was David Stein, and he generously shared birding and photography tips with me during our brief chat. I realized I had found another friend to help me on my birding journey.
As David and I spotted various birds that morning, I thought back to Lee’s enthusiasm. Birding is not just about spotting and photographing birds—it's about appreciating nature, contributing to conservation, and fostering a sense of community. I left the preserve with new photos and an even deeper passion for birding.
In the short time I’ve been birding, I’ve noticed how rejuvenating it is for my mental health. Watching these beautiful creatures go about their day so simply, accompanied by song, is soothing. I’m learning to slow down, quiet my mind, and just be present. Sometimes I leave the camera at home and simply sit, listen, and delight in the experience.
I later interviewed both Lee and David about their interest in birding and what keeps them going.
Lee's Journey into Birding Lee grew up in rural Oregon, where his father gave him a Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds and patiently answered his many questions. When I asked about his most memorable birding experiences, he said, “There are so many, but when you start birding, you feel a sense of excitement every time you go out.” Lee participates in many bird data gathering events both locally and nationally.
David's Passion for Bird Photography David’s dedication to birding shines through in his words: “I am crafting a story through wildlife photography.” His love for both birds and photography is how he tells the story of nature’s beauty. David holds multiple birding certifications and is a renowned bird photography expert frequently called upon by conservation groups and associations to speak and teach.
Both Lee and David shared several valuable tips for anyone wanting to start their own birding hobby:
1. Invest in a Good Field Guide David recommends, “A field guide with pictures and descriptions of local birds is essential. Choose one specific to your region to help you identify what you see.”
I’ve found a few guides I really like, including The Sibley Guide to Birds and one I had as a child, the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America.
There are also some great apps available, like Merlin Bird ID by the Cornell Lab. I love the bird call feature; as I walk, the app listens and identifies the birds singing nearby helping me learn.
2. Get a Quality Pair of Binoculars I’ve been using my 10x42 Alpen hunting binoculars, which I’ve had for at least 15 years. Lee suggests beginners start with an 8x42 model, which he says hits the “sweet spot” for magnification and stability when viewing birds.
3. Have a camera ready. While both David and Lee have differing views on the brand of camera to use, and both of them have invested in a collection of differing sized lenses, start with what you already have and move up until you find the set up you like.
4. Start With Common Birds David advised beginners to first get familiar with the most common birds in their area. “This will make identification easier and build your confidence. Make a list of 10-15 common birds and try to spot them in your neighborhood or local park.”
5. Keep a Journal Both Lee and David recommend keeping a birding journal. You can also find bird checklists, like the one I found for Lake Apopka, on various park websites. In your journal, record dates, species, behaviors, and locations to practice identification and better understand bird habits.
6. Join a local Birding Group or Association Look for local birding groups on Facebook or Google or check out national associations like the American Birding Association (aba.org) and the Audubon Society (audubon.org). These organizations offer great resources and beginner tips.
Birding could become your new passion, and as you learn to identify birds by their habits, calls, breeding patterns, migrations, and beauty, you’ll contribute to their conservation, helping future generations enjoy them as well. I am grateful for the new friends my building interest in birding has given me and I really want one of those giant lenses–and a wagon to carry it!