Birding in the Goethe State Forest

Great Florida Birding Trail Site

The Goethe State Forest is home to more than 15 natural communities. The variety of habitats include sand hill, dome swamp, basin swamp and one of the largest stands of old-growth longleaf pine flatwoods in the state. This diverse habitat hosts a wide variety of birds from warblers to waders to bald eagles.

Many of these longleaf pines are over 250 years old. As such, they offer the required nesting conditions for the rare and endangered red cockaded woodpecker. Goethe now has one of the largest populations of these birds on public lands in the state.

Goethe Wildlife Biologist Libby Zimmerman will lead a classroom presentation dealing in part with the fascinating nesting habits of these rare and elusive birds. The presentation will also highlight the highly successful placement of nesting "inserts" within these ancient trees in order to encourage nesting.