Relocating to Kissimmee? These 10 Incredible Birds Will Make Lake Toho Your New Backyard

When Sarah and her family decided to relocate from the bustling Northeast to Central Florida, they chose Kissimmee for its perfect blend of small-town charm, proximity to Orlando's opportunities, and easy access to the state's natural wonders. What they didn't fully anticipate was how deeply the area's wildlife—especially its incredible birdlife—would become part of their new daily rhythm. Within weeks of unpacking, Sarah found herself drawn to the serene shores of Lake Tohopekaliga (affectionately called Lake Toho), where the morning mist revealed hovering raptors and wading birds that felt like a living postcard of old Florida. The move wasn't just about a change of address; it was an invitation to slow down and rediscover nature right in their backyard. Kissimmee, with its position on the Great Florida Birding Trail and diverse habitats around the Lake Toho chain—including East Lake Tohopekaliga—quickly proved to be a birder's paradise, offering rare sightings without long drives or crowds.

Here are the top 10 must-see birds that make the Kissimmee area so special, along with the best spots to find them.

1. Snail Kite This endangered slate-gray raptor, with its distinctive white rump and hooked beak, is a specialist that feeds almost exclusively on apple snails. It's one of Florida's most sought-after birds, and the Lake Toho chain hosts some of the densest populations in the U.S. Prime spots: Kissimmee Lakefront Park (roosts on grassy islands, easily viewed from the sidewalk or pier), St. Cloud Lakefront Park on East Lake Tohopekaliga (reliable sightings from the paved path and jetties), Twin Oaks Conservation Area, Makinson Island, or airboat tours like Boggy Creek for marsh-level views. Tips: Dawn or dusk for peak activity; a spotting scope helps spot distant birds hovering or perched; year-round resident, with better chances in wetter months.
   
   
   
   
2. Florida Scrub-Jay Florida's only endemic bird, these bright blue jays with gray backs are curious, family-oriented, and found nowhere else on Earth. Prime spots: Disney Wilderness Preserve (longleaf pine and scrub trails), Lake Kissimmee State Park. Tips: Early morning for their calls; spring and summer during breeding season offer the best views.
   
   
3. Bald Eagle The iconic symbol of America thrives here—Osceola County boasts one of the largest nesting concentrations in the contiguous U.S., with eagles frequently soaring, perching, or fishing over the lakes. Prime spots: Lake Tohopekaliga areas like Kissimmee Lakefront Park, St. Cloud Lakefront Park (eagles often cruise or perch over East Lake Toho), Joe Overstreet Road/Landing, Twin Oaks Conservation Area. Tips: Winter through spring nesting season is prime; scan treetops, powerlines, and open water—early mornings or late afternoons yield dramatic sightings.
   
   
   
   
4. Limpkin This long-legged wader has a haunting, wailing call and specializes in apple snails, often sharing habitat with Snail Kites. Prime spots: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, St. Cloud Lakefront Park and East Lake Tohopekaliga shores (excellent for calls and foraging), Lake Toho edges, airboat rides. Tips: Dawn or dusk for vocalizations; listen for their eerie cries echoing across the water.
5. Crested Caracara A bold, opportunistic prairie raptor with a black crest and white neck, often seen strutting or scavenging. Prime spots: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Joe Overstreet Road. Tips: Drive prairie roads slowly; year-round resident.
6. Burrowing Owl These small, ground-dwelling owls perch alertly on or near their burrows in open grasslands. Prime spots: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (especially post-burn areas). Tips: Daytime viewing; look low in prairies—respect burrows and keep distance.
   
   
   
   
7. Florida Grasshopper Sparrow An endangered, secretive prairie bird known for its insect-like song. Prime spots: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (trails like Military Trail or Five Mile Prairie). Tips: Spring and summer breeding season; listen for the song in open grasslands.
8. Roseate Spoonbill Vibrant pink waders with unique spoon-shaped bills, often foraging in shallow wetlands. Prime spots: Twin Oaks Conservation Area, Gatorland rookery, Lake Toho and East Lake Toho marshes. Tips: Morning light enhances their colors; look for flocks in shallow waters.
   
   
   
   
9. Sandhill Crane Tall, gray birds with red crowns and bugling calls, often seen in family groups. Prime spots: Joe Overstreet Road, Twin Oaks, prairies near Lake Kissimmee, occasional Lake Toho shores. Tips: Year-round; watch for graceful dances or family foraging.
10. Wood Stork Large waders with bald heads and down-curved bills; an endangered species that thermals overhead. Prime spots: Disney Wilderness Preserve, Joe Overstreet Landing, Lake Toho and East Lake Toho wetlands. Tips: Spring through summer breeding; scan for them soaring or wading in shallows.

Bonus Tips for Birding in Kissimmee

Gear up with 8x42 binoculars and a spotting scope (essential for distant lake views of kites and eagles). Best times are early morning or late afternoon; migration seasons (spring/fall) add warblers, while winter/spring bring nesting eagles. Use eBird for real-time hotspots (search "Lake Tohopekaliga" or "East Lake Tohopekaliga"), the Merlin Bird ID app, and Great Florida Birding Trail maps. Practice good etiquette: No playback for rare species (like Snail Kites or owls) to avoid stressing them—prioritize patience and natural observation. Many spots, including Kissimmee Lakefront Park and St. Cloud Lakefront Park, feature paved sidewalks for easy, accessible viewing.

Toho Bikes Rentals & Tours offers electric and non-electric bikes for rent for 2 - 4 hour self-guided lakefront tours of East Lake Toho in Kissimmee/St. Cloud. It's a great way to explore St. Cloud Lakefront Park - the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World!

Relocating to Kissimmee opened Sarah's eyes to a world where Bald Eagles soar overhead during morning coffee and Snail Kites hover just beyond the backyard view. Whether you're a newcomer chasing lifers or a local rediscovering the area, these birds highlight why Kissimmee remains a top destination on the Great Florida Birding Trail—peaceful, productive, and full of Florida's wild magic. Grab your binoculars, head to the lakeshore, and let the birds welcome you home. Share your sightings in the comments—what's your favorite Kissimmee bird encounter?