Wings Over the Ranches : Birding Tours Take Flight in Southwest Ranches
“Where Nature Takes Flight—Right in Your Backyard”

Southwest Ranches is known for its open spaces, equestrian trails, and commitment to preserving a rural lifestyle—but it’s also a hidden gem for birding enthusiasts. This season, the Town is proud to launch Wings Over the Ranches, a new guided birding tour series that invites residents to explore the skies and sawgrass alongside professional Audubon birding guide Bob Hartmann.

With the theme “Where Nature Takes Flight—Right in Your Backyard,” this initiative warmly celebrates the incredible wildlife that is beautifully woven into the everyday landscape around us community. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious about the feathered neighbors in your own backyard, these tours are designed to inspire, educate, and connect.

Why Birding in Southwest Ranches?

Our parks sit on the edge of the Florida Everglades, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. This unique location makes Southwest Ranches a seasonal corridor for migratory birds and a year-round home for native species. Participants will have the chance to spot:

• Swallow-tailed kites gliding effortlessly with their forked tails
• Great egrets and blue herons wading gracefully through sawgrass
• Eagles, warblers, hawks, and other migratory visitors, depending on the season

Each tour is designed to highlight the ecological richness of our parks while fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation and habitat stewardship.

Meet Your Guide: Bob Hartmann, Councilmember

Bob Hartmann is a seasoned Audubon birding expert with decades of experience leading tours across Florida’s wetlands. Known for his engaging style and encyclopedic knowledge of bird behavior and our wild habitat, Bob blends storytelling, science, and humor to make every walk memorable.

“Birding isn’t just looking—it’s listening, learning, and loving the land,” says Hartmann. “Every bird has a story. I just help you hear it.”

Bob’s nature tours welcome enthusiasts of all skill levels, offering expert guidance on bird identification, vocalizations, and wildlife photography. Along the way, he’ll share fascinating insights into the Everglades ecosystem and highlight practical ways residents can contribute to local conservation efforts. Each tour spans a variety of park terrains—from walkways to marsh trails—so be sure to wear sturdy footwear and don’t forget the bug spray!

Peak birding season in South Florida runs from November through April. We will announce upcoming tour schedules soon!

• When: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

• Cost: Free with registration. SIGN UP HERE
• Group Size: Limited to 15 participants, 18 years and up, per tour
• What to Bring: Binoculars, water, sun protection, and curiosity!

Tours begin with a brief orientation and safety overview, followed by a guided walk through birding hotspots. Participants will receive a printed birding checklist and have the option to access digital tools, such as Merlin or eBird, for logging sightings.

Community Engagement

Residents are encouraged to share their birding photos using the hashtag #WingsOverTheRanches. Selected images may be featured on the Town website and in future newsletters. A digital gallery is available at www.southwestranches.org/departments/parks-recreation-and-open-space/birding, where you can view recent sightings and submit your own.

Let’s enjoy the sky’s beauty right here in our own backyard! Wings Over the Ranches isn’t just a tour—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the wild, natural beauty of Southwest Ranches. Where Nature Takes Flight—Right in Your Backyard.