Wetland birding habitat

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Oystercatcher, Willet, and Laughing Gull 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

Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)

Cairina moschata x Anas platyrhynchos

6/2/2026Mirror Lake2 observed

Northern Bobwhite (Eastern)

Colinus virginianus

6/2/20262–44 180th Ave W, Redington Shores US-FL 27.83201, -82.832991 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

6/2/2026Fort De Soto Park1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

6/2/2026Fort De Soto Park1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

6/2/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

6/2/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area1 observed

Osprey (Caribbean)

Pandion haliaetus

5/29/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Magnificent Frigatebird

105/28/2026

Mourning Dove

35/24/2026

Laughing Gull

35/24/2026

Royal Tern

35/24/2026

White Ibis

15/24/2026

Brown Pelican

15/24/2026

Osprey

45/24/2026

Fish Crow

45/24/2026

Common Grackle

15/24/2026

American Oystercatcher

95/20/2026

Black-bellied Plover

25/20/2026

Wilson's Plover

25/20/2026

Willet

25/20/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

45/20/2026

Sanderling

45/20/2026

Black Skimmer

25/20/2026

Least Tern

15/20/2026

Barn Swallow

15/20/2026

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 Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge include American Oystercatcher, Willet, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Brown Pelican. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge?
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.