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

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/21/2026St. Marks NWR--Lighthouse Pool & Flats1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Clapper Rail

127/20/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/20/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Willet

37/20/2026

Sanderling

17/20/2026

Laughing Gull

87/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

White Ibis

27/20/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

27/20/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

67/20/2026

Great Egret

67/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Brown Pelican

17/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/14/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/14/2026

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.