I45. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: Unit 4
SiteID: P45
Region: Panhandle
County: Franklin
Nearest City: St. George Island
Phone Number: 850-670-4783
Website: I45. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: Unit 4
Amenities: Birding by foot/hiking, Best time of day: Morning, Recommended length of visit: a few hours
Habitats: Pines, Salt Marsh, Beach/Dune
Description:
This small preserve on the sound side of St. George Island is a nice companion to the larger, more well-known migrant fallout site at St. George Island State Park (site # 44). Unmarked trails leading off from the parking area at the end of 6th St. wind through a coastal pine forest and give vantages of the sound and shoreline. Watch for shore- and seabirds like Royal Terns, American Oystercatchers and Laughing Gulls as well as migrants moving through: Common Nighthawks, Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles and Swallow-tailed Kites all pass through coastal areas like these as they arrive off the Gulf each spring. Come prepared with insect repellent and drinking water.
Directions: From US 98/US 319/SR 30 in Eastpoint, take SR 300/ Island Drive south for 5.6 mi. across bridge to St. George Island. Turn left (east) on CR 300/Gulf Beach Dr. and go 0.8 mi. to 6th St. Turn left (north) and go 0.2 mi. to the end. Look for a gravel road and small gazebo at the site entrance.
Open dawn to dusk.
