The state of Florida is a popular tourist spot, attracting many individuals and families each year to bask in its sunshine, enjoy its sandy beaches and take in the natural beauty. While there are a number of cities to add to your must-visit list in Florida, Palm Coast is a stunning city that offers a unique opportunity for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Palm Coast, Florida is a city just south of St. Augustine Beach along the Atlantic seaboard. One of the most notable attractions in Palm Coast, Florida is the Princess Place Preserve.

The Princess Place Preserve is a 1500 acre wildlife preservation located right within Palm Coast. There are many activities to enjoy at the Princess Place Preserve, including hiking trails, camping, fishing, equestrian trails to ride horses throughout the property, boating and more. Originally called “Cherokee Grove,” the Princess Place Preserve is home to Bald Eagles and Ospreys, with a number of birds called the preserve home.

The Princess Place Preserve gets its name from some of the original owners of the land. A man named Henry Cutting bought the land in 1886, and then gave it to his wife named Angela Mills Cutting Worden after his passing. Angela went on to remarry a man who was a Russian prince. This land is named after the princess. An interesting fact to note is that the land had the state of Florida’s first swimming pool built in ground, a new and revolutionary concept at the time the Cuttings owned it.

Bird watching, also known as “birding,” is a very popular hobby in Palm Coast and attracts many with a heart for birds. While there are over 40 parks and preserves in the Palm Coast area, the Princess Place Reserve is home to a bald eagle’s nest, a rather rare and unique sighting for most of the country. Flagler County, the county Palm Coast is located in, released a statement noting that the Bald Eagles will call the Princess Place Reserve home until around May, making the springtime the ideal time to view the Bald Eagles up close. Visitors can see young Bald Eagles and talk with the guides to learn more about this bird that is a symbol of patriotism and freedom.

Ospreys are another species of bird you will most likely see during a visit to the local parks and preserves in Palm Coast. Perhaps less familiar to most than Bald Eagles, Ospreys are raptors that can be seen around water, as their diets consist largely of living fish. Watch the Ospreys take flight and stalk their prey around the lands of the preserve.

Palm Coast is considered a bird watcher’s paradise. In fact, the city of Palm Coast hosts a festival completely dedicated to bird watching. Palm Coast’s Birds of a Feather Festival takes place every February at City Hall. This year it will take place on February 9-11, 2018 at City Hall. This three-day event is packed with activities including bird walks, photography lessons, workshops and more. The Festival also provides transportation to location wildlife preserves and parks to bird watch and take photos. For more information on the Birds of a Feather Festival and an activities list, click here.

Whether you are an avid bird watcher or are a novice looking to see a Bald Eagle up close and in the wild, Palm Coast, Florida is a great destination. Palm Coast is home to not only unique bird species, but parks, beaches and more that offer fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Next time you are in Florida, be sure to stop by Palm Coast to see some of the best natural beauty Florida has to offer.

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