Fort Matanzas National Monument

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Fort Matanzas National Monument is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brown Pelican, Great Horned Owl, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/5/2026Masters Tract Stormwater Treatment Facility1 observed

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

3/2/2026Royal St. Augustine Golf2 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

2/26/2026Masters Tract Stormwater Treatment Facility1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

2/24/2026Estrada Neighborhood1 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

2/21/2026Vilano Beach, Saint Augustine US-FL (29.9238,-81.2934)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican

13/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/5/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

33/5/2026

American Crow

53/5/2026

Fish Crow

13/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

73/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

63/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

23/5/2026

Carolina Wren

23/5/2026

Gray Catbird

13/5/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

23/5/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

23/5/2026

Northern Parula

23/5/2026

Palm Warbler

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

63/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Matanzas National Monument for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Matanzas National Monument for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Notable species at Fort Matanzas National Monument include Brown Pelican, Great Horned Owl, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Birding at Fort Matanzas National Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort Matanzas National Monument?
Fort Matanzas National Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.