a person standing on a paddle board in the water

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free (parking $1/hour)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Common Gallinule, Anhinga, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

6/2/2026Lovers Key SP1 observed

Florida Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma coerulescens

6/2/20262612 47th Street West, Lehigh Acres, Florida, US (26.659, -81.667)2 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

6/1/2026Lovers Key SP1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

6/1/2026Lovers Key SP1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

6/1/2026306 Little Grove Lane1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/28/2026Commons Pool1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

26/2/2026

Limpkin

26/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

16/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

16/2/2026

Northern Parula

16/2/2026

Tricolored Heron

16/1/2026

Barred Owl

16/1/2026

Fish Crow

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/1/2026

Common Grackle

36/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

56/1/2026

Anhinga

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  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 Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve?
Notable species at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve include Common Gallinule, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, White Ibis, Little Blue Heron, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve?
Birding at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve?
The entrance fee at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is Free (parking $1/hour). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve?
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.