As we enter the first week of May, Florida’s spring migration is starting to wind down. What was striking about this spring migration was that there were so few birds. While out in the field, I would often speak with other birders and photographers and what came up every time was how few birds we were seeing. Not only were birds few in numbers, but they were also spread out. I think that left a lot of disappointed birders who have already packed it in for the season. Yesterday (4 May 2025) when I visited Fort De Soto I only ran into five birders in the whole park whereas three weeks earlier there were well over a hundred birders just at the East Beach.

In this post I am going to share a variety of species that I was fortunate enough to photograph over the past few weeks. I believe the bird photography community is best served by sharing locations of these migrant birds, so I will also include the locations where I took the photos. Of course, birds can be unpredictable so who knows where they will be next season. Hopefully you’ll consider joining me on a Photo Walk during the 2026 spring migration. During these Photo Walks I pass along some key tips for finding birds that are really only learned through field experience.

I picked up a few lifers during this spring migration as well. These include the:

Golden-winged Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Ovenbird

**Red-eyed Vireo.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach picnic area, 11 April 2025.

**Golden-winged Warbler.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach picnic area, 11 April 2025.

**Orchard Oriole.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach picnic area, 11 April 2025.

**Worm-eating Warbler.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach picnic area, 12 April 2025.

**Blue-winged Warbler.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach picnic area, 12 April 2025.

**Northern Parula.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach turn-around loop, 19 April 2025.

**Hooded Warbler (female).** Fort De Soto Park, trails through wooded area that start from the park headquarters, 19 April 2025.

**Scarlet Tanager.** Fort De Soto Park, trails through wooded area that start from the park headquarters, 19 April 2025.

Last year’s hurricanes caused severe damage at Fort De Soto and the Ranger’s house was flooded. No one lives there now and the back yard is untended. Wild native plants are growing, producing seeds and berries, and it has become a favorite spot for birds. With no one living in the house, you can now walk to the back fence and see some amazing birds.

**Summer Tanager.** Fort De Soto Park, old Ranger’s house, 19 April 2025.

**Rose-breasted Grosbeak.** Fort De Soto Park, old Ranger’s house, 19 April 2025.

**Black-throated Blue Warbler.** Fort De Soto Park, near the old Ranger’s house, 19 April 2025.

**Great-crested Flycatcher.** Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa, 24 April 2025.

**Cape May Warbler.** Fort De Soto Park, old Ranger’s house, 25 April 2025.

**Blackpoll Warbler.** Fort De Soto Park, old Ranger’s house, 25 April 2025.

**Summer Tanager.** My home in Thonotosassa, 25 April 2025.

**Prothonotary Warbler.** Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa, 26 April 2025.

**Northern Parula.** Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa, 26 April 2025

**Ruby-throated Hummingbird.** Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa, 26 April 2025

**Cape May Warbler (female).** Fort De Soto Park, Old Ranger’s House, 3 May 2025.

**Ovenbird.** Fort De Soto Park, Old Ranger’s House, 3 May 2025.

**Bobolink.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach turnaround loop. 3 May 2025

**Northern Waterthrush.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach turnaround loop. 3 May 2025

**Prairie Warbler.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach turnaround loop. 3 May 2025

**American Redstart.** Fort De Soto Park, East Beach turnaround loop. 3 May 2025

Spring migration is by no means over, so in the next week or two I’ll continue to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. I am, however, eager to get back on the beach to photograph shore birds (which, as you well know, is much, MUCH easier than chasing tiny warblers through dense foliage).

Thanks for visiting, and happy birding!

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An Unplanned Break

Fort De Soto Keeps Delivering During Spring Migration