Lake birding habitat

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Lake Wauberg

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
LakeGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Lake Wauberg is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland habitat attracts Common Gallinule, Bonaparte's Gull, and Pied-billed Grebe 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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

6/3/2026Roper P1 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

6/3/2026Roper Park1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

6/3/2026Newnans Lake--east end of University Ave.1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

6/3/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/3/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anhinga

15/31/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Fish Crow

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

55/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

35/31/2026

Northern Parula

25/31/2026

Summer Tanager

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/31/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

55/25/2026

Common Gallinule

25/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Lake Wauberg for birding?
The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Lake Wauberg 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 - Lake Wauberg?
Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Lake Wauberg include Common Gallinule, Bonaparte's Gull, Pied-billed Grebe, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports lake, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Lake Wauberg?
Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Lake Wauberg 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 - Lake Wauberg?
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Lake Wauberg offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.