Thousands of bird-watchers are flocking to Brevard County this week to try to spot Florida's abundant birds and wildlife.

The 21st annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, one of the largest festivals of its kind in the nation, kicks off Wednesday featuring world class photographers, up-close field trips, plus workshops and presentations.

Organizers had to cancel a couple of scrub-jay tours on NASA Kennedy Space Center property, but now that the government shutdown is resolved for now, they are back on.

Also, Hurricane Irma caused issues in some areas, including flooding in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge even in this normally dry season.

It could be a challenge to see birds.

"When the marshes are flooded, they are spread out through the marsh," said Laurilee Thompson of the birding festival. "A lot of times, you can't even see them. But the birds are definitely here."

The festival, headquartered at Eastern Florida State College in Titusville, runs through Monday.