Wetland birding habitat

Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Common Ground Dove, and Common Gallinule 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 Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

6/1/202616135 SE 91st Ct, Summerfield US-FL 28.98721, -82.000991 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

5/31/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive Exit Parking Lot1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

5/30/20261573 Oak Forest Dr, The Villages US-FL 28.95232, -82.001534 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/28/2026Dora Canal6 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

5/28/2026Dora Canal1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

5/27/2026Herlong Park Boat Launch1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

5/26/2026Other side of marsh at DeLuna postal 4401–4499 Heather Way, Wildwood US-FL 28.82597, -82.034621 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

5/25/2026Lake Apopka North Shore--Orange County Section (please consider using more specific locations)1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

5/24/2026Eaton's Beach1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/24/2026Hope Boat Ramp1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

15/23/2026

Ring-necked Duck

15/23/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/23/2026

Mourning Dove

25/23/2026

Common Gallinule

35/23/2026

Purple Gallinule

15/23/2026

Limpkin

45/23/2026

Anhinga

115/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/23/2026

Glossy Ibis

25/23/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/23/2026

Great Egret

25/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/23/2026

Black Vulture

15/23/2026

Osprey

15/23/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

15/23/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/23/2026

Blue Jay

15/23/2026

Fish Crow

15/23/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/23/2026

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 Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive include Ring-necked Duck, Common Ground Dove, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Limpkin. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive?
Emeralda Marsh CA - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.