Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441

Florida · Southeast

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Habitat

Grassland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, and Osprey among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Double-crested Cormorant Snowy Egret Osprey Bald Eagle Pileated Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

4/13/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--Bolen Bluff Trail1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/12/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--La Chua Trail1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/12/2026Newnans Lake9 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

4/12/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--La Chua Trail1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

4/12/20263326 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville US-FL 29.65564, -82.371491 observed

Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

4/12/2026Seven Sinks1 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

4/12/2026Watermelon Pond--Metzger Tract (Restricted Access) (use when reporting Burrowing Owls)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/11/2026Sweetwater Wetlands Park1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/11/2026Newnans Lake--east end of University Ave.1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

4/11/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

24/8/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/8/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/8/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

24/8/2026

White-eyed Vireo

44/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

34/8/2026

American Crow

14/8/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

34/8/2026

Carolina Wren

14/8/2026

Gray Catbird

14/8/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/8/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/8/2026

Northern Parula

14/8/2026

Northern Cardinal

54/8/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

204/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/4/2026

Osprey

14/4/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

154/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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Florida Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Florida →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 for birding?▼

The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 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 - East of US 441?▼

Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 include Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports grassland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441?▼

Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 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 - East of US 441?▼

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.