Wetland birding habitat

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 306 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Bald Point SP2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/30/2026Bald Point SP1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/29/2026Bald Point SP2 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

Common Nighthawk

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

Forster's Tern

16/1/2026

Royal Tern

46/1/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

146/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

36/1/2026

Tricolored Heron

36/1/2026

Reddish Egret

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/1/2026

Marsh Wren

16/1/2026

Carolina Wren

16/1/2026

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 - Lighthouse Pool & Flats for birding?
The best months to visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats 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 - Lighthouse Pool & Flats?
Notable species at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats include Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Dunlin. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats?
Birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats?
Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.