The Space Coast is going to the birds, literally.
Organizers say people are flocking in this week for the nation’s largest birding festival, bringing a big boost to the local economy.
It’s the 18th Annual Space Coast Birding Festival.
“There’s such an abundance of birds, many different species in Central Florida at this time of the year, and it’s just a wonderful time to come to Central Florida,” said Steve Ritt, a guide who came from San Diego.
Organizers are expecting close to 5,000 people who they say will spend more than a million dollars at Brevard County businesses.
“I like getting outside, nature in general and the birding increases your ability to see things that maybe you wouldn’t normally see,” said Jerry Dirnberger, who traveled from Missoula, Montana.
The festival is 6 days, with plenty of exhibits and field trips.
“Came in Wednesday night and we’ll be leaving Sunday afternoon, so we stay at hotels and we have lunches and we enjoy the festival,” said Lorraine Fueyo from Ft. Lauderdale.
Organizers say birders, as they’re called, bring $1.2 million to the local economy, during what would otherwise be a slow tourism time on the Space Coast.
“Birders are really interesting people and they love to do all kinds of fun things in the community and they like to spend a lot of money so we like that,” Marcia Gaedcke, president of the Titusville Chamber of Commerce.
They’ll even spend cold hard cash to get to Florida, just to check out the local dump.
“I’m actually very fascinated with gulls, it’s unusual and rare gulls that will show up at these landfills,” said Ritt.
The festival itself is based at Eastern Florida State College’s Titusville campus, but there are field trips throughout Central Florida.
The festival continues through Monday.