River/Riparian birding habitat

Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and grassland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/18/2026Newnans Lake--Earl P. Powers Park1 observed

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

7/18/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Marion Co.1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/18/2026University of Florida campus (general)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/18/2026Prairie Creek Preserve (consider using more specific location)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

Chimney Swift

307/18/2026

White Ibis

97/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

67/18/2026

Common Gallinule

77/18/2026

Purple Gallinule

17/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Anhinga

27/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

27/18/2026

Least Bittern

17/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/18/2026

Little Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/18/2026

Snowy Egret

47/18/2026

Green Heron

17/18/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

3007/18/2026

Great Egret

17/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section for birding?
The best months to visit Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section?
Notable species at Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section?
Birding at Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section?
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail - La Chua to Prairie Creek section offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.