Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, and Chuck-will's-widow 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 Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

3/5/2026Beach Bum Blvd, Daytona Beach US-FL (29.2214,-81.1433)

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/2026SR-472 W, Orange City US-FL 28.95523, -81.258481 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

2/20/20261 Leisure World Drive South, DeBary, Florida, US (28.847, -81.342)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

63/5/2026

Wild Turkey

13/5/2026

Chuck-will's-widow

13/5/2026

Common Gallinule

263/5/2026

American Coot

123/5/2026

Purple Gallinule

13/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

33/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Wilson's Snipe

23/5/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/5/2026

Black Skimmer

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Anhinga

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

White Ibis

43/5/2026

Glossy Ibis

1753/5/2026

American Bittern

33/5/2026

Little Blue Heron

193/5/2026

Tricolored Heron

103/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, Chuck-will's-widow, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge?
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.