white yellow and black feathered bird

San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mangrove Cuckoo, Green Heron, and Black-bellied Plover 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

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/18/2026San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve1 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

7/13/2026Big Hickory Island1 observed

Great Blue Heron (Great White)

Ardea herodias

7/10/2026Barefoot Beach County Preserve1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/10/2026Barefoot Beach County Preserve1 observed

Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis

7/7/2026Behind Dunkin/Front of School2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/7/2026Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/6/2026Punta Rassa, Punta Rassa US-FL (26.4821,-82.0207)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

47/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

37/18/2026

Marbled Godwit

117/18/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

187/18/2026

Willet

67/18/2026

Sanderling

57/18/2026

Western Sandpiper

87/18/2026

Black Skimmer

77/18/2026

Least Tern

57/18/2026

Gull-billed Tern

17/18/2026

Sandwich Tern

47/18/2026

Royal Tern

707/18/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

37/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/18/2026

Little Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Tricolored Heron

37/18/2026

Reddish Egret

27/18/2026

Snowy Egret

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve?
Notable species at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve include Mangrove Cuckoo, Green Heron, Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Brown Pelican, Osprey. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve?
Birding at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve?
San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.