Grassland birding habitat

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, and Sandhill Crane 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

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

6/2/20261721 Northeast 75th Street, Gainesville, FL1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

6/2/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Alachua Co.2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/2/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Alachua Co.1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Alachua Co.3 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Alachua Co.1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

6/2/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Alachua Co.1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/2/2026Bivens Rim Forest Conservation Area1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

6/2/2026San Felasco Hammock Preserve SP1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

36/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

86/2/2026

White Ibis

76/2/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

156/2/2026

Black Vulture

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

16/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

26/2/2026

House Finch

26/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

176/2/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

56/2/2026

Chimney Swift

26/2/2026

Snowy Egret

16/2/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

36/2/2026

Mississippi Kite

26/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

36/2/2026

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 - Cones Dike Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike 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 - Cones Dike Trail?
Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail include Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Anhinga, Little Blue Heron. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail?
Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike 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 - Cones Dike Trail?
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.