Big Lagoon State Park

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Lagoon State Park is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, and Killdeer 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

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/6/2026Foley1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/6/2026Foley1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/6/2026Foley1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

3/5/20265309 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola US-FL (30.4753,-87.2273)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/5/2026East Hill around Cook Elementary (feeders and yards)1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

3/2/2026Fort Pickens, Gulf Breeze US-FL 30.32397, -87.276211 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/2026Foley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

33/6/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

13/6/2026

Cedar Waxwing

903/6/2026

Eastern Towhee

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

123/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

53/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Laughing Gull

33/4/2026

Forster's Tern

343/4/2026

Royal Tern

133/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/4/2026

Osprey

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Carolina Wren

13/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

53/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Lagoon State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Big Lagoon State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Lagoon State Park?
Notable species at Big Lagoon State Park include Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Laughing Gull, Forster's Tern. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Lagoon State Park?
Birding at Big Lagoon State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Big Lagoon State Park?
Big Lagoon State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.