Wetland birding habitat

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/1/2026I'm Front Of Locked Gate Sumter County Road 514, Wildwood, Florida, US (28.8, -82.093)6 observed

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

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

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

45/31/2026

Ring-necked Duck

15/31/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/31/2026

Common Gallinule

705/31/2026

American Coot

15/31/2026

Limpkin

85/31/2026

Anhinga

145/31/2026

White Ibis

35/31/2026

Little Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Snowy Egret

85/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Great Egret

85/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

1005/31/2026

Common Grackle

155/31/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

255/31/2026

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 Conservation Area - General Area for birding?
The best months to visit Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area?
Notable species at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area?
Birding at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area?
Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area - General Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.