a snow covered path in the middle of a forest

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$6 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, and Common Gallinule 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

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. 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.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua 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 - La Chua Trail?
Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail include Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Fish Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail?
Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail?
The entrance fee at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail is $6 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset.
What amenities are available at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail?
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - La Chua Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.