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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

4/13/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--Bolen Bluff Trail1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/12/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--La Chua Trail1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/12/2026Newnans Lake9 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

4/12/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--La Chua Trail1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

4/12/20263326 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville US-FL 29.65564, -82.371491 observed

Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

4/12/2026Seven Sinks1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/11/2026Sweetwater Wetlands Park1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/11/2026Newnans Lake--east end of University Ave.1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

4/11/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

14/11/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

14/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

34/11/2026

White-eyed Vireo

44/11/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

34/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/11/2026

Carolina Wren

54/11/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/11/2026

Cedar Waxwing

154/11/2026

Northern Parula

74/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

64/11/2026

Mourning Dove

24/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

24/2/2026

Barred Owl

14/2/2026

Blue Jay

14/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/2/2026

Gray Catbird

24/2/2026

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.