Lake birding habitat

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 272 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Osprey, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

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

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

5/27/2026Big Bend WMA--Hickory Mound1 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

Semipalmated Plover

86/1/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

36/1/2026

Willet

16/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

26/1/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Forster's Tern

16/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Great Egret

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

16/1/2026

Marsh Wren

16/1/2026

Seaside Sparrow

76/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/1/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

15/25/2026

Clapper Rail

25/25/2026

Black-bellied Plover

35/25/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

15/25/2026

Laughing Gull

25/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond 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 - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond?
Notable species at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond include Osprey, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Gray Catbird, Swamp Sparrow. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond?
Birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond?
Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Mounds Trail & Tower Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.