Wetland birding habitat

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Tricolored Heron, American White Pelican, and Turkey Vulture 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

Mourning Dove

55/28/2026

Laughing Gull

45/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

55/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/28/2026

White Ibis

45/28/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/28/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/28/2026

Snowy Egret

115/28/2026

Great Egret

35/28/2026

Brown Pelican

165/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Northern Flicker

15/28/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/28/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/28/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/28/2026

Blue Jay

15/28/2026

Fish Crow

25/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

35/28/2026

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 - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road for birding?
The best months to visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road 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 - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road?
Notable species at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road include Tricolored Heron, American White Pelican, Turkey Vulture, Belted Kingfisher, Marsh Wren. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road?
Birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road?
Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Panacea Unit - Bottoms Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.