Wetland birding habitat

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, and Green-winged Teal 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

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

7/17/2026Apalachicola National Forest, Tallahassee US-FL 30.31658, -84.442003 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

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

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/15/2026Bald Point SP1 observed

Shiny Cowbird

Molothrus bonariensis

7/15/2026Murphy Residence1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/15/2026Lake Munson Preserve Park & Dam1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/15/2026Bald Point SP

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

27/16/2026

Mourning Dove

27/16/2026

Common Gallinule

167/16/2026

Purple Gallinule

67/16/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/16/2026

Killdeer

47/16/2026

Anhinga

47/16/2026

White Ibis

77/16/2026

Least Bittern

17/16/2026

Little Blue Heron

47/16/2026

Tricolored Heron

57/16/2026

Snowy Egret

67/16/2026

Great Egret

27/16/2026

Bald Eagle

17/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/16/2026

Common Grackle

27/16/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

87/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

47/16/2026

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.

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, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Bufflehead. 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.
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.