Saddle Creek County Park

This 750 acre, former phosphate mine, is located on SR 17-92 just east of Lakeland. SCP is without a doubt the finest Fall birding site in interior central Florida and is well known by birders statewide. It is also one of the easiest places in the southeastern US to find Limpkin. Most of the areas large wading birds can be readily found in the old phosphate pits near the main park road. Short-tailed Hawks have been seen year round best about 10:am when the numerous vultures rise to find the morning thermals.
The song bird migration starts in late July and ends about the first of November. The best birding is on the nature trail starting at the northeastern end of the park. Carefully search the sides of the 1.5 mile trail and you can find a remarkable collection of warblers, vireoes, thrushes, flycatchers and other migrants. Over 36 warbler species have been recorded from the park, including Golden-winged, Cerulean, and Kentucky. The local Audubon society sponsor bird walks on Saturday mornings throughout the fall.

Winter birding is also excellent.

Entrance is free and a bird list is available.There are restrooms and picnic facilities in the park