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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/2/2026St. Marks NWR (Please consider using a more specific hotspot)2 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

6/2/2026St. Marks NWR (Please consider using a more specific hotspot)1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

6/1/2026Work center1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Bald Point SP2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/30/2026Bald Point SP1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chuck-will's-widow

16/1/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

16/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

16/1/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/1/2026

Black Tern

36/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/1/2026

Seaside Sparrow

26/1/2026

Eastern Towhee

26/1/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

66/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/1/2026

Least Bittern

16/1/2026

Clapper Rail

26/1/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

66/1/2026

Willet

76/1/2026

Least Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

46/1/2026

Laughing Gull

76/1/2026

Black Skimmer

16/1/2026

Least Tern

36/1/2026

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.