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

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

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/1/2026South Moon Under Murphy Residence1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/1/2026Private Residence1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/1/2026Bald Point SP1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

103/4/2026

American Wigeon

23/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

153/4/2026

Redhead

13/4/2026

Bufflehead

353/4/2026

Common Gallinule

283/4/2026

American Coot

303/4/2026

Purple Gallinule

13/4/2026

Black-bellied Plover

33/4/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

53/4/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/4/2026

Willet

13/4/2026

Least Sandpiper

1503/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

133/4/2026

Forster's Tern

13/4/2026

Royal Tern

63/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

83/4/2026

Anhinga

33/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/4/2026

White Ibis

13/4/2026

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.