Citrus County, located on the West Coast of peninsular Florida about seventy miles north of St. Petersburg, is in the middle of the West Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. The birding trails in Citrus County that are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail Program take into account all the unique features that make Citrus County and its habitat for birds a special place.

The trail system is divided into the three natural ecological characterizations that make up the geology and topography of the County.

1. Coastal Region from the Gulf of Mexico east to US19
2. The Brooksville Sand hill Ridge Region from US19 east to US41
3. The Tsala Apopka Lake Region bounded on the east by the Withlachoochee River and on the west by US41

The Withlachoochee River serves as the eastern and northern boundary of the county.

Each of these section are described in detail.

The County birding trail system is made up of eighteen trails. Each trail is separate and unique to cover every type of habitat that exists in the County, from the Gulf on the west to the Withlacoochee River on the east. It covers salt marsh, hammocks, uplands, forest and prairie, fresh water marsh, swamps, and lakes. It includes water (boat) trails, driving trails, and walking trails, some with handicap access.

In addition to the eighteen Great Florida Birding Trails, there are many places across the County where one may stop to observe birds and the natural beauty of the area. Chapter III lists these stops that should be visited. There are many bird species that appear in the County that won't be found on our trail system such as burrowing owls, scrub jays, snail kites and short tail hawks.

Check the County web site www.citrusbirdingtrail.com for rare bird alerts and sightings of burrowing owls, scrub jays, snail kites and any other interesting species.

Please Note: We will not list on the web any bird that is reported on private property without prior permission from the property owner. We will list on the web any special instructions from the owner if they will allow visitors to see a special bird. At all times we ask you to respect landowners' rights.

The birding community in Citrus County is an important part of the program. Whether you are a backyard birder, a casual birder or a serious lister, a resident or a visitor, we need your to help in gathering information about the birds you see in Citrus County, not only on our trails but also all over the County. Never feel that your contribution isn't important.