Do you want a good chance to view wild horses (and bison!)? Just visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, just outside Gainesville! What a sight!
Wild Horses in Florida? You Bet!
Florida Wildlife
Deer at Black Bear
I arrived early at Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford and noticed these deer casually grazing right near the parking lot. What a treat!
Blue Spring Manatees
There is one bright spot to the frigid cold that has engulfed Central Florida during the winter of 2026. Hundreds of manatees can be viewed at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City!
Old Friends
Just an osprey hanging out with a black vulture while a turkey vulture flies overhead.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
I saw this Red-Shouldered Hawk chilling out on a fence as I was leaving Black Bear Wilderness Area. It was a real treat!
Tavares Ecological Preserve
Looking to get outside and effortlessly see some wildlife in Tavares? Check out Tavares Ecological Preserve, which is located just down the street from the courthouse (and adjacent to the county jail!). During my first visit, I saw an alligator, turtle, ospreys, moorhen, white ibis and great blue heron. Don’t miss it!
Gopher Tortoise
One of the best places to see gopher tortoises in their natural habitat is Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
We spotted this beautiful Red-Shouldered Hawk at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas. Orlando Wetlands is also one of the best places to view Florida Alligators. Highly recommended!
Demetree Park
A hidden gem located in the heart of a neighborhood just off the 408 and east of downtown Orlando, Demetree Park is a great spot for a short stroll among wildlife (we encountered white ibises, a great egret, great blue heron, green heron and many ducks during our quick visit).
Wandering Florida 