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

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

7/15/2026Bald Point SP

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

Northern Bobwhite

27/16/2026

Mourning Dove

27/16/2026

Common Gallinule

167/16/2026

Purple Gallinule

67/16/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/16/2026

Killdeer

47/16/2026

Anhinga

47/16/2026

White Ibis

77/16/2026

Least Bittern

17/16/2026

Little Blue Heron

47/16/2026

Tricolored Heron

57/16/2026

Snowy Egret

67/16/2026

Great Egret

27/16/2026

Bald Eagle

17/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/16/2026

Common Grackle

27/16/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

87/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

47/16/2026

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.