John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Florida · Southeast

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Osprey, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and White-eyed Vireo among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Osprey Red-bellied Woodpecker White-eyed Vireo Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Gray Catbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/13/20262128 S Palm Cir, North Palm Beach US-FL 26.85134, -80.065961 observed

Black-whiskered Vireo

Vireo altiloquus

4/13/2026Lantana Nature Preserve1 observed

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

4/12/2026Jonathan Dickinson SP1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

4/11/2026Park Road, Hobe Sound, Florida, US (27.007, -80.141)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

4/11/2026Lantana Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

44/12/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

64/12/2026

Sanderling

14/12/2026

Laughing Gull

74/12/2026

Royal Tern

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Brown Pelican

84/12/2026

Osprey

24/12/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

14/12/2026

Blue Jay

14/12/2026

Mourning Dove

24/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/12/2026

Fish Crow

14/12/2026

Common Grackle

14/12/2026

Prairie Warbler

14/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/12/2026

Northern Gannet

104/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/11/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/10/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/10/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Florida

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Remote island migrant trap with the only continental US Sooty Tern colony.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel Island mangrove refuge with spectacular wading bird viewing from Wildlife Drive.

Florida Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Florida →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park?▼

Notable species at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park include Osprey, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Gray Catbird. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park?▼

Birding at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park?▼

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.