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

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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Alachua Co.4 observed

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Wood Stork

16/2/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Snowy Egret

16/2/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Black Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

46/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Fish Crow

16/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

36/2/2026

Eastern Towhee

16/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/2/2026

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

More in Florida

Everglades National Park

Vast subtropical wilderness with incredible wading bird concentrations and tropical species.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Remote island migrant trap with the only continental US Sooty Tern colony.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel Island mangrove refuge with spectacular wading bird viewing from Wildlife Drive.

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.