Wetland birding habitat

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/29/2026Rookery Bay NERR1 observed

Shiny Cowbird

Molothrus bonariensis

5/26/2026Chokoloskee--Smallwood Store1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/22/202620628–20698 Tamiami Trail E, Naples US-FL 25.98584, -81.568341 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/20/2026Eagle Lakes Community Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Stork

115/28/2026

White Ibis

35/28/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

55/28/2026

Snowy Egret

25/28/2026

Great Egret

105/28/2026

Bald Eagle

15/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/28/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

55/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

45/28/2026

Mottled Duck

135/25/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/25/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/25/2026

Mourning Dove

15/25/2026

Common Gallinule

45/25/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/25/2026

Killdeer

15/25/2026

Black Skimmer

15/25/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/25/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/25/2026

Reddish Egret

15/25/2026

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 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.