Grassland birding habitat

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, and American Crow 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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/1/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

6/1/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/1/2026OCRA Boat Ramp Alachua County3 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

6/1/2026OCRA Boat Ramp Alachua County2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026OCRA Boat Ramp Alachua County1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026OCRA Boat Ramp Alachua County1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/1/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

6/1/2026Watermelon Pond--Metzger Tract (Restricted Access) (use when reporting Burrowing Owls)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Black Vulture

55/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Blue Jay

35/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

35/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

135/30/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

95/30/2026

Northern Parula

15/30/2026

Summer Tanager

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail?
Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail include Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail?
Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail?
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.