Coastal birding habitat

Weedon Island Preserve

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Weedon Island Preserve is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, White Ibis, and Little Blue Heron 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

7/18/20263839 Gulf City Road, Ruskin, Florida3 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/18/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area2 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/18/2026Fort De Soto Park - North Beach Area1 observed

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

7/17/2026Largo Central Park Nature Preserve1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

7/17/2026691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater US-FL 27.96581, -82.824672 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

7/16/2026MacDill AFB (Restricted Access)8 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk (extimus)

Buteo lineatus

7/16/2026Oldsmar City Hall1 observed

Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)

Cairina moschata x Anas platyrhynchos

7/15/2026Crescent Lake Park21 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/15/2026Fort De Soto Park - Outback Key1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

47/13/2026

White-winged Dove

27/13/2026

Mourning Dove

137/13/2026

Clapper Rail

17/13/2026

Laughing Gull

97/13/2026

White Ibis

137/13/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

37/13/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/13/2026

Green Heron

37/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/13/2026

Brown Pelican

17/13/2026

Blue Jay

97/13/2026

Fish Crow

37/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

137/13/2026

Common Grackle

17/13/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

17/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

147/13/2026

Wood Stork

17/10/2026

Anhinga

17/10/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Weedon Island Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Weedon Island Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Weedon Island Preserve?
Notable species at Weedon Island Preserve include Ring-billed Gull, White Ibis, Little Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Osprey. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Weedon Island Preserve?
Birding at Weedon Island Preserve is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Weedon Island Preserve?
Weedon Island Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.