Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde

Florida · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Mourning Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard Ring-necked Duck Mourning Dove Laughing Gull Magnificent Frigatebird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/18/20263839 Gulf City Road, Ruskin, Florida3 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/18/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/18/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area2 observed

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

7/17/2026Largo Central Park Nature Preserve1 observed

Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)

Cairina moschata x Anas platyrhynchos

7/15/2026Crescent Lake Park21 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/15/2026Fort De Soto Park - Outback Key1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Magnificent Frigatebird

757/12/2026

Anhinga

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/12/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/12/2026

Brown Pelican

57/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/12/2026

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

Trails

More in Florida

Everglades National Park

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 Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde for birding?▼

The best months to visit Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde?▼

Notable species at Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Laughing Gull, Magnificent Frigatebird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde?▼

Birding at Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde?▼

Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.