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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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/18/2026Lake Munson Preserve Park & Dam1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

7/18/2026Leon Sinks Geological Area1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/16/2026St. Marks NWR--Lighthouse Pool & Flats1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/15/2026St. Marks NWR (Please consider using a more specific hotspot)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/18/2026

Common Nighthawk

17/18/2026

Chuck-will's-widow

17/18/2026

Clapper Rail

37/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

107/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

27/18/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/18/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

37/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

47/18/2026

Willet

107/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Laughing Gull

37/18/2026

Black Skimmer

87/18/2026

Forster's Tern

37/18/2026

Royal Tern

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/18/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

157/18/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/18/2026

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.