Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Common Ground Dove 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

Nanday Parakeet

Aratinga nenday

3/5/2026Tropical Park5 observed

Great Blue Heron (Wurdemann's)

Ardea herodias

3/3/2026Auto selected 25.73175, -80.162201 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

3/3/20263928 Southwest 69th Avenue, Miami, Florida, US (25.734, -80.307)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

2/28/2026Cutler Wetlands1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

2/28/2026Miller Drive Roost (Brewer Park)1 observed

Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)

Cairina moschata x Anas platyrhynchos

2/27/202613620 SW 72nd Ave, Palmetto Bay US-FL (25.6440,-80.3098)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

2/27/2026A. D. Barnes Park1 observed

White-winged Parakeet

Brotogeris versicolurus

2/25/2026Cortadito Cowbirds1 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

2/25/2026Lakeside Memorial Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

13/4/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/4/2026

Common Ground Dove

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Common Gallinule

13/4/2026

Black-bellied Plover

163/4/2026

Piping Plover

103/4/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

23/4/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

113/4/2026

Sanderling

13/4/2026

Laughing Gull

33/4/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/4/2026

Royal Tern

53/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

273/4/2026

Brown Pelican

123/4/2026

Black Vulture

13/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

103/4/2026

Osprey

13/4/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area for birding?
The best months to visit Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area?
Notable species at Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area include Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Common Ground Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area?
Birding at Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area?
Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.