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

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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

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

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

7/6/2026Bald Point State Park, Panacea US-FL 29.91454, -84.336481 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.

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.