Lake Istokpoga Park

Located on the north shore of Lake Istokpoga, this small county park has one of the largest numbers of Osprey nests in the United States. Wading bird colonies (including Great Egrets and White Ibises) of considerable biological importance occur on large islands at the lake’s center. When approaching the park from the southeast on US 98, watch the pasture on the south side of the road for Crested Caracaras. The park has a boat launch, and an ADA-compliant boardwalk and pier on the lake. Scan the boat basin for wading birds such as Limpkins, and scope the lake for Ring-necked Ducks, which are common in winter. Snail Kites, Bald Eagles, Purple Gallinules, Sandhill Cranes and Wood Storks are possible. Follow the foot trail along the water’s edge, which runs east and then north along the boardwalk through the cypress margin. These cypress trees play host to migrant and breeding songbirds. Small patches of scrub, sandhills and open grassy areas round out the available habitats at this park. For additional Snail Kite and wading bird viewing opportunities on the lake, launch your boat from the park or from one of the marinas on the lake. Snail Kites, Crested Caracaras, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks and Painted Buntings are sometimes seen at the Cypress Isle Marina on the southern end of Lake Istokpoga.