Bird watchers are in Leesburg for a big event in Lake County.

It’s the fourth year for the Wings and Wildflowers Festival.

"Lake County is so pretty and we have so many nature preserves and parks, and we really wanted to draw national attention to what Lake County has to offer,” said tourism support assistant Yvonne Powers.

“One of the crown jewels is Lake Apopka,” said trails specialist Gallus Quigley. “Lake Apopka has almost 370 species of birds documented out there. It’s probably one of the top 10 inland birding locations in North America.”

Director of Economic growth Robert Chandler says wildlife viewing and birding is big business. The county expected to see half a million dollars in economic impact for Lake County. That money comes from all over.

 “We’re hoping to go over 5,000 people this year and of those 5,000, a good majority of them will be from outside of the county,” Chandler said.

The free festival continues Sunday at the Venetian Gardens in Leesburg from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.

For directions, and event guide and registration information, head to the festival's website.