Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve

Florida · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Wilson's Plover, Caspian Tern, and Barn Swallow among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Wilson's Plover Caspian Tern Barn Swallow

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Bald Point SP2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/30/2026Bald Point SP1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/29/2026Bald Point SP2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/27/2026St. Marks NWR--Panacea Unit--Skipper Bay Road1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

5/24/2026Alligator Point--Phipps Preserve2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

55/24/2026

Clapper Rail

15/24/2026

American Oystercatcher

25/24/2026

Semipalmated Plover

25/24/2026

Wilson's Plover

45/24/2026

Snowy Plover

35/24/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

35/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/24/2026

Willet

25/24/2026

Red Knot

35/24/2026

Laughing Gull

95/24/2026

Black Skimmer

35/24/2026

Least Tern

75/24/2026

Gull-billed Tern

25/24/2026

Forster's Tern

75/24/2026

Common Tern

15/24/2026

Sandwich Tern

25/24/2026

Royal Tern

235/24/2026

Snowy Egret

15/24/2026

Brown Pelican

35/24/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Florida

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Vast subtropical wilderness with incredible wading bird concentrations and tropical species.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Remote island migrant trap with the only continental US Sooty Tern colony.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel Island mangrove refuge with spectacular wading bird viewing from Wildlife Drive.

Florida Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Florida →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve for birding?▼

The best months to visit Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve?▼

Notable species at Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve include Wilson's Plover, Caspian Tern, Barn Swallow. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve?▼

Birding at Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve?▼

Alligator Point - Phipps Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.