Moss Park

This large, county property offers a diversity of birding and wildlife viewing experiences. Upon entering, wander the oak hammock for Florida Sandhill Cranes, Wild Turkeys, Tufted Titmice and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Scope Bird Island on the west side of Lake Mary Jane in summer to watch the Wood Storks nesting there; Anhingas, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and White Ibises are also likely. Limpkins and Purple Gallinules have been spotted on the lake and shorebirds may be present during spring and fall migration. Check the open area at the south end of the property (near the southernmost campground) for hawks. Hike along the woodland edges looking for migratory songbirds in season. If you choose to camp and stay the night, prowl for owls and listen for Whip-poor-wills, Chuck-will’s-widows and Common Nighthawks. As this site is adjacent to the wilder Split Oak Forest WEA, you can camp here in comfort and explore Split Oak’s wilderness at your leisure. To reach this site, hike west on the Swamp Trail from the southernmost campground loop. Boat ramps for both Lake Hart and Lake Mary Jane provide aquatic adventures. Butterfly viewing can be great, look for Palamedes Swallowtail, Carolina Satyr, Horace’s Duskywing and Least Skipper in summer. Programs and guided hikes are available for groups; please call in advance.