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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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

5/29/2026Wacissa Springs1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/29/2026Wacissa Springs1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

5/28/20263401–3469 Lighthouse Rd, Crawfordville US-FL (30.0777,-84.1768)1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

5/28/2026Munson Sandhills--Crawfordville Rd access3 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/27/2026St. Marks NWR--Lighthouse Pool & Flats1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/27/2026St. Marks NWR--Panacea Unit--Skipper Bay Road1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/20/2026St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, St. Marks Unit1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

5/18/2026St. Marks NWR (Please consider using a more specific hotspot)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/17/2026Lighthouse Rd, Crawfordville US-FL 30.12738, -84.147112 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/17/2026St. Marks NWR--East River Pool1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

65/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

Mississippi Kite

15/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

35/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Blue Jay

55/30/2026

Fish Crow

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

35/30/2026

Carolina Wren

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/30/2026

Bachman's Sparrow

15/30/2026

Common Grackle

45/30/2026

Pine Warbler

15/30/2026

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.