Lake birding habitat

Alligator Lake RA

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Alligator Lake RA is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/12/2026SW County Road 796A, Lake Butler US-FL (30.0058,-82.4242)1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/12/2026SW County Road 796A, Lake Butler US-FL (30.0058,-82.4242)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/10/2026Ichetucknee Springs SP--North Entrance (Suwannee co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Swallow-tailed Kite

17/11/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

47/11/2026

White-winged Dove

37/11/2026

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/11/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

37/11/2026

Killdeer

17/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/11/2026

Mississippi Kite

27/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/11/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/11/2026

Blue Jay

47/11/2026

American Crow

17/11/2026

Fish Crow

37/11/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

47/11/2026

Carolina Wren

37/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Alligator Lake RA for birding?
The best months to visit Alligator Lake RA for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Alligator Lake RA?
Notable species at Alligator Lake RA include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Alligator Lake RA?
Birding at Alligator Lake RA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Alligator Lake RA?
Alligator Lake RA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.