Coastal birding habitat

Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Common Ground Dove, Anhinga, and Little Blue Heron 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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/16/2026Hiawatha Shores Canal (28.561, -81.778)1 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

7/15/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive Exit Parking Lot3 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/12/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/12/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

7/10/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/7/2026219–223 Canterclub Trail, Longwood US-FL (28.6892,-81.4562)1 observed

Florida Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma coerulescens

7/7/2026Rock Springs Run State Reserve (Orange Co.)15 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Swallow-tailed Kite

47/15/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

97/12/2026

Common Gallinule

577/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

37/12/2026

Anhinga

97/12/2026

White Ibis

17/12/2026

Glossy Ibis

17/12/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/12/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Green Heron

17/12/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

387/12/2026

Great Egret

137/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/12/2026

Osprey

37/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

17/12/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

17/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

747/12/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

497/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail?
Notable species at Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail include Common Ground Dove, Anhinga, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail?
Birding at Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail?
Lake Apopka North Shore - Clay Island Loop Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.