Coastal birding habitat

Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp)

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp) is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, American Oystercatcher, and Black-bellied Plover 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

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

6/1/2026Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Big Talbot Island SP--Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp)1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

5/30/2026Wildlight Trails--Blue and Purple Loop1 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

5/23/2026Cumberland Island National Seashore--South End1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

5/21/2026Close offshore Majesty pelagic1 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

5/21/2026Mayport majesty Leg 11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

16/1/2026

Willet

16/1/2026

Gull-billed Tern

16/1/2026

Wood Stork

246/1/2026

Snowy Egret

66/1/2026

Great Egret

86/1/2026

American White Pelican

36/1/2026

Brown Pelican

16/1/2026

Fish Crow

26/1/2026

Canada Goose

46/1/2026

Clapper Rail

16/1/2026

American Oystercatcher

16/1/2026

Semipalmated Plover

46/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

16/1/2026

Sanderling

16/1/2026

Dunlin

16/1/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

116/1/2026

Laughing Gull

156/1/2026

Black Skimmer

106/1/2026

Least Tern

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp) for birding?
The best months to visit Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp)?
Notable species at Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp) include Hooded Merganser, American Oystercatcher, Black-bellied Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp)?
Birding at Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp)?
Big Talbot Island State Park - Spoonbill Pond (includes parking & boat ramp) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.