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

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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

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

7/21/2026Big Hickory Island, Bonita Springs US-FL 26.37596, -81.866261 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/18/2026San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve1 observed

Great Blue Heron (Great White)

Ardea herodias

7/10/2026Barefoot Beach County Preserve1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/10/2026Barefoot Beach County Preserve1 observed

Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis

7/7/2026Behind Dunkin/Front of School2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

27/18/2026

Common Gallinule

27/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/18/2026

Killdeer

27/18/2026

Anhinga

47/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/18/2026

White Ibis

17/18/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

47/18/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/18/2026

Green Heron

27/18/2026

Great Egret

17/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/18/2026

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.