Velma Knowles

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Florida is about more than beautiful beaches and exciting theme parks. Florida is also for the birds. From St. Marks Wildlife Refuge in North Florida to the Everglades National Park in South Florida and further south to the Florida Keys, the birding is great. It is estimated that more than 2 million visitors per year visit the state to see the birds—especially during spring and fall migration, as the state is located in two major migratory flyways.

And there are year-round residents of interest, as well. Unique species include the scrub jay, which is found nowhere else in the world except here in Florida, and the limpkin, which is found nowhere else in the United States. And if you like bald eagles, then you'll be happy to know that Florida has more bald eagles than any other state except Alaska.

When visiting Florida, be sure to put some of the following birding hot spots on your must-see list: Payne's Prairie, Merritt Island National Refuge, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

For more details about these and other locations, see information on the Great Florida Birding Trail at www.floridabirdingtrail.com.

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Velma Knowles, Photographer

Velma Knowles is a passionate nature photographer. She specializes in bird and wildlife photography and enjoys the adventure of capturing the beauty of wildlife. Her work has been published and credited by the International Library of Photography with the ''Editor's Choice Award."

Velma is a life-long supporter of conservation and environmental protection. She currently serves on the board of the  Audubon Society of Tampa Bay, and is a loyal Member of the National Audubon Society.

Velma M. Knowles
Wildlife Photographer

e-mail Velma at
wildphotos@yahoo.com