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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/12/2026Newnans Lake--Earl P. Powers Park3 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/12/2026Newnans Lake--Earl P. Powers Park1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/12/2026Newnans Lake--Palm Point Park1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/12/2026Newnans Lake--Earl P. Powers Park2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/12/2026Newnans Lake/Lake Pithlachocco--SE shoreline1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/12/2026Newnans Lake/Lake Pithlachocco--SE shoreline3 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/12/2026Newnans Lake/Lake Pithlachocco--SE shoreline1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/12/2026Newnans Lake/Lake Pithlachocco--SE shoreline15 observed

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

7/10/2026Orange Creek Restoration Area--Marion Co.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

47/4/2026

Common Gallinule

17/4/2026

Common Tern

17/4/2026

Green Heron

17/4/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

17/4/2026

Black Vulture

197/4/2026

Osprey

27/4/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

17/4/2026

Mississippi Kite

17/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/4/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/4/2026

American Crow

17/4/2026

Fish Crow

17/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/4/2026

Carolina Wren

27/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/4/2026

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.