Bird Lovers: Did you know that our whole area is designated as a bird sanctuary?  Our beaches, parks, and neighborhoods are home to a variety of our feathered friends.  Teaching your grandchildren can be a delightful and rewarding activity.  You can teach the kids how to identify and catalog what birds they have seen. And don't forget to gather a few books on birds from one of our local libraries.  Numerous books available for bird lovers of all ages.  If you don’t own a pair of binoculars, try getting a second-hand set at a thrift store or pawn shop. 

One bird watching haven not widely known is The Venice Rookery behind the County Court House on route 41. Take Annex Road between the courthouse and the Florida Highway Patrol building and follow it until you see water on the right side.  Or if you come in from Route 776 it will be on the left.  Kids love this spot for bird watching.  Sometimes there are so many birds here that you can hardly see the trees.  Bring your library books to help you identify the various species.  For bird watching in a more rustic setting, visit the park at the end of Jacaranda Boulevard, East of Interstate Route 75.  This park has nature trails and lots of interesting birds to while away your day.