Welcome to the best kept secret in Central Florida... Gatorland's Rookery! Created in 1991 as a natural habitat for Gatorland's alligator breeding population, this 10 acre Breeding Marsh soon became home to many different species of wild Florida birds which roost and nest above the protecting alligators. Today, the Gatorland Rookery has transformed into one of the largest and most accessible wading bird rookeries in Florida with literally thousands of native Florida birds making their home in this natural habitat. Currently, a dozen different species of birds nest within Gatorland's Rookery, and over 20 different species of birds utilize the area for roosting or feeding. Of these, 8 species are listed either as a Species of Special Concern or Endangered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
We invite all of you to come and experience nature at its best during our Birding Season, which runs from January through August with the nesting birds, and year-round with the nightly fly-in of roosting birds. This year we are contimuing our enhanced "Dawn to Dusk" birding program that will allow entry into the Rookery at 7:30 am and the ability to stay past closing time until dusk. This program will run Wednesday through Sunday February 4 - June 28, 2009, and will be included in the Gatorland Photo Pass for $99.99.
Single Day ticket holders will now have the option to stay until dusk for an additional $10 with no early entry.
Annual Passholders will also have the option for early admission or to stay until dusk for only $5 (per visit).
Extended hours for the Rookery officially ended June 28, however, we will be offering a reduced access plan for July, with early access at 7:30am on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Late access (until 8:00pm) wll be on Friday and Saturdays only through July. So if you want to brave the warmer temps come on out and have some fun... there are still lots of opportunities available for some great birding!