Coastal birding habitat

Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 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

Gray Kingbird

Tyrannus dominicensis

4/14/2026KOCF South (Restricted Access)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

4/14/2026KOCF South (Restricted Access)2 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

4/13/2026FL - Clayton and Ellen's house2 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

4/13/2026Wildwood RV Village Campground1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

4/13/2026KOCF SE (Restricted Access)1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

4/12/2026Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area--Chornobyl Memorial Forest1 observed

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

4/10/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Gray-headed Swamphen

Porphyrio poliocephalus

4/10/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

24/9/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/9/2026

Forster's Tern

14/9/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/9/2026

Anhinga

34/9/2026

Little Blue Heron

14/9/2026

Great Egret

24/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/9/2026

Black Vulture

14/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/9/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/9/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/9/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

14/9/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/9/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

14/9/2026

American Crow

14/9/2026

Fish Crow

34/9/2026

Tree Swallow

24/9/2026

Purple Martin

24/9/2026

Barn Swallow

24/9/2026

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 Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area?
Notable species at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area include Wild Turkey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area?
Birding at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area?
Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.