Wetland birding habitat

T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, and Common Gallinule 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

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

4/14/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP - Yellow Trail4 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

4/12/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (leucophrys)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/12/2026Home1 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

4/12/2026T.M. Goodwin WMA--Original Unit8 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/11/2026Home1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/9/2026Sebastian Inlet SP--north side (Brevard co.)1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

4/9/2026Yeehaw Junction Area1 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

4/6/2026382-498 Beverly Court, Melbourne Beach, Florida, US (27.926, -80.501)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/5/2026Maritime Hammock Sanctuary1 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

4/5/2026Orlando Melbourne International Airport2 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

4/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

4/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

4/4/20261010 Buffer Preserve Dr, Sebastian US-FL 27.83104, -80.539581 observed

Burrowing Owl (Florida)

Athene cunicularia

4/3/2026Fellsmere Water Management Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

24/12/2026

Common Gallinule

234/12/2026

Purple Gallinule

34/12/2026

Limpkin

54/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

214/12/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

224/12/2026

Anhinga

94/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/12/2026

Glossy Ibis

14/12/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

174/12/2026

Little Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Snowy Egret

54/12/2026

Green Heron

24/12/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

34/12/2026

Great Egret

184/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

34/12/2026

American White Pelican

114/12/2026

Black Vulture

54/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/12/2026

Osprey

24/12/2026

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 T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit for birding?
The best months to visit T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit?
Notable species at T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit include Blue-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Purple Gallinule. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit?
Birding at T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit?
T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area - Original Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.