Cypress swamp and still waters at Okefenokee NWR

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Georgia · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandForestMarsh
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

November-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About This Location

The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in North America, spanning nearly 400,000 acres of blackwater swamp and prairies. Canoe trails offer intimate encounters with Sandhill Cranes, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, and numerous wading birds.

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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/15/2026Okefenokee NWR--Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

4/15/2026Okefenokee NWR--Wildlife Drive3 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

4/13/2026Okefenokee NWR--Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anhinga

24/6/2026

White Ibis

44/6/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

34/6/2026

Little Blue Heron

24/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/6/2026

Black Vulture

24/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/6/2026

Osprey

14/6/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

14/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

24/6/2026

Barred Owl

24/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/6/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

24/6/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/6/2026

Carolina Wren

24/6/2026

Gray Catbird

14/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Paddle the canoe trails for the most immersive experience

  2. 2

    Listen for Barred Owls at dawn and dusk

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for birding are November-April. The best seasons are Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge include Sandhill Crane, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Barred Owl, Prothonotary Warbler, Anhinga, Wood Duck, White Ibis, American Bittern, Little Blue Heron, Great Egret. The area supports wetland, forest, marsh habitats.
How difficult is birding at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge?
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Canoe Trails, Campground.