a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Wildlife Drive: Sat-Thu, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Willet, White Ibis, and Reddish Egret 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

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

Mottled Duck

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

White Ibis

125/28/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

55/28/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

275/28/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/28/2026

Snowy Egret

25/28/2026

Great Egret

25/28/2026

Osprey

35/28/2026

Common Grackle

65/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/28/2026

White-winged Dove

15/28/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

65/28/2026

Anhinga

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/28/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/28/2026

Fish Crow

45/28/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

65/28/2026

Prairie Warbler

15/28/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive 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 - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Willet, White Ibis, Reddish Egret, American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Osprey, American Kestrel. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
The entrance fee at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Wildlife Drive: Sat-Thu, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.