Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 341 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

3/5/2026Leedom Home (private residence)1 observed

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

3/4/2026St. Marks NWR (please consider using a more precise location)2 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026St. Marks NWR (please consider using a more precise location)1 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

3/2/2026Lake Munson Preserve Park & Dam1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/1/2026Private Residence1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

2/28/2026Mossy Oak Preserve (Limited Access)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/27/20261255 Lighthouse Road, Saint Marks, Florida, US (30.087, -84.166)1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

2/26/2026Central Lake Nature Trail - Southwood4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

73/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

303/6/2026

Redhead

23/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

453/6/2026

Bufflehead

153/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/6/2026

Clapper Rail

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

753/6/2026

American Coot

353/6/2026

Purple Gallinule

13/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

13/6/2026

Black-bellied Plover

23/6/2026

Semipalmated Plover

33/6/2026

Marbled Godwit

173/6/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

173/6/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

123/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

23/6/2026

Willet

83/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

33/6/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Carolina Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Eastern Bluebird, Chipping Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge?
Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.