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

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

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

Common Gallinule

24/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Bald Eagle

14/12/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/12/2026

White-eyed Vireo

34/12/2026

Fish Crow

14/12/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/12/2026

Carolina Wren

34/12/2026

Gray Catbird

14/12/2026

Northern Parula

34/12/2026

Palm Warbler

14/12/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

14/12/2026

Summer Tanager

14/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/12/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/7/2026

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.