Wetland birding habitat

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Mottled Duck, and Common Ground Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

6/2/2026Lovers Key SP1 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

6/1/2026Lovers Key SP1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

6/1/2026Lovers Key SP1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/26/2026J. N. Ding Darling NWR (please consider using a more precise location)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/20/2026J. N. Ding Darling NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

55/27/2026

Common Gallinule

25/27/2026

Black-necked Stilt

135/27/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/27/2026

Killdeer

25/27/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/27/2026

Anhinga

15/27/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Reddish Egret

15/27/2026

Snowy Egret

15/27/2026

Great Egret

15/27/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

25/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Fish Crow

15/27/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/27/2026

Mottled Duck

45/20/2026

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 J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract for birding?
The best months to visit J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract?
Notable species at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract include Blue-winged Teal, Mottled Duck, Common Ground Dove, Common Gallinule, Black-bellied Plover. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract?
Birding at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract?
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.