A. J. Henry Park is a small city property with some nice topography and habitats, including hardwood forest-covered slopes which descend down to a lake. Accordingly, this park attracts fallouts of migrants like Veery, Ovenbird and Magnolia Warbler, among others.
Slowly hike the trails at the Lake Hall Recreation Area for wintering Orange-crowned Warblers and Blue-headed Vireos. A few Dark-eyed Juncos make an appearance here in winter; Brown Creepers and Winter Wrens may also be present.
Sandhills, flatwoods and mixed hardwood forests, plus dome swamps, marshes, ponds and fields will keep you coming back throughout the year for more. Bring your camera to capture stands of longleaf pine and wiregrass, which provide homes for Bachman’s Sparrow (listen for its distinctive “here, kitty-kitty-kitty” songs in spring and summer), Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Wild Turkey and Gopher Tortoise.
At 135 feet above the Apalachicola River, Alum Bluff is the largest geological exposure in Florida. In fact, the topography of this site feels nothing like what most people expect from Florida. Hike the steep 3.75-mile trail through longleaf pine sandhills, upland mixed hardwoods, along the tops of steephead ravines, down into slope forests, across shallow streams, and out to the bluff.
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. 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.
At over half a million acres, this is the largest national forest in Florida. Home to over 200 bird species, including the threatened Red-cockaded Woodpecker, the forest also hosts a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic life. Its unique mix of wetlands, pine forests and hardwood swamps supports vibrant ecosystems, providing crucial habitat … Read more
The area’s exceptional wildlife habitats, including floodplain forests, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods, support both rare and common wildlife species. The Apalachicola River ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of amphibians and reptiles in the U.S., as well as the greatest number of freshwater fish species in Florida. Over 280 species of native birds have been … Read more
Head north or south of Goose Pasture Road to hike the picturesque Aucilla Sinks Trail along the wooded Aucilla River. Part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, this trail disappears underground and re-emerges again and again. The trail traverses a portion of the 50,471-acre WMA, which is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Suwannee River Water Management District. “Birding by ear” skills are quite helpful at this site.
Its geography and location provide a prime vantage of the raptor and songbird migration in September and October. Overwintering shorebirds like Piping Plovers and Dunlin use the beach and estuary. In spring, migratory songbirds like Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Indigo Buntings make landfall in the park’s hammocks.
The entrance trail to this site is a paved interpretive trail, which then connects to the 2.5-mile Ravine Trail and the 3.0-mile Bear Creek Trail. The former hugs the creek ravine, and its hardwood forest is good for migrants like Wood Thrushes and Veeries.
From the camping area, hike the 4-mile trail that rings the lake, watching for migrants like Ovenbirds and Swallow-tailed Kites in springtime. Red-shouldered Hawks echo across the lake and Pied-billed Grebes dive, hunting for fish.
This site nicely represents the diversity of Panhandle habitats, all in the boundaries of a single park. The bayfront offers sandy expanses for wintering Black-bellied Plovers, Dunlin and Least Sandpipers, and winter ducks like Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Bufflehead and Red-breasted Mergansers can be seen diving in the bay from the East Beach tower.
Nestled in the Blackwater River State Forest’s uplands, this fish hatchery is an oasis of wading birds and shorebirds. Stop at the entrance kiosk to check the sightings log and to pick up a checklist. Walk the dikes between the aquaculture ponds, looking for winter waterfowl such as Ring-necked Ducks, Blue-winged Teal and Wilson’s Snipe at the muddy edges.
This is one of Florida’s largest state forests, and is named for the Blackwater River, one of just a few shifting sand bottom streams that retains its natural state for nearly its entire course. The forest’s gently rolling terrain is home to a variety of natural communities, most notably the world’s largest longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem … Read more
This site is a popular swimming, canoeing and picnicking area in warm weather, but offers nice access to floodplain hiking trails good for Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Hairy Woodpeckers in late spring and summer. Broad-winged, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks are common and Wood Thrushes and Prothonotary Warblers breed here.
Along the drive down Bloody Bluff Rd., watch the edges for sparrows including Chipping, Swamp and Song, and listen in spring for Bachman’s Sparrows. The river trail near the boat ramp at the end of the road can be good for songbirds like Yellow-throated Warblers and Blue-headed Vireos, and Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites frequent the river run.
Begin at Sam Atkins Park and leave your vehicle at the large parking area beside the baseball diamonds. Wander the park perimeter where the pines support Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch and Eastern Bluebird. The north side of the park has two viewing structures on a small pond and a boardwalk through a swamp.
Bottoms Road extends out through salt marsh to a county-owned boat launch on the Gulf. Along the way, watch and listen for Clapper Rails and wading birds in the marsh. The marsh is also a good place to look for Nelson’s Sparrow (winter) and Seaside Sparrow (year-round).
Located in a quiet subdivision on the north side of Marianna, the 110-acre Butler Tract is another tranquil segment of the Chipola River Greenway good for wildlife watching. Floodplain forest is the dominant habitat type here; some pines are also present where the soils are higher and drier.
Two miles of loop trails are available at this park. The main trail starts at the Rainbow Cottages, runs south across a footbridge, then loops through a coastal live oak hammock and dune system. A path from the loop’s south end leads to beachfront where Black Terns are possible in summer, Black-bellied and Piping Plovers in winter.
If you’re traveling between Sumatra and Eastpoint, it’s worth taking a moment to pull off at the edge of Cash Bayou to take in the scenery, scan for waterbirds like Bald Eagles and American Bitterns, and check the brief trails for songbirds.
Chipley Park surrounds Lake DeFuniak, a 40-acre, circular spring-fed lake (purported to be one of only two in the world) which attracts waterfowl, wading birds, raptors and a whole lot more. The 80-acre park has a paved 1-mile walkway around the entire lake and two fishing piers complete with covered gazebos—ideal observation posts for any type of weather.
The Chipola River Greenway is a stunning 291-acre chain of five parcels located along the river’s west side. Bursting with rare plants, birds, butterflies, and wildlife, this stunning area offers an exciting adventure for nature lovers. As you explore the trails, you’ll encounter vibrant ecosystems, fascinating geological formations, and hidden caves.
For the more intrepid explorer, this rustic river is kept clear enough of obstructions to make a nice day of paddling and birding. Launch from Florida Caverns State Park and paddle upriver toward Christoff Ferry Landing on the Upper Chipola River Water Management Area, where the river forks at the confluence with Waddells Mill Creek.
This small boat landing is Tallahassee’s most reliable site for Limpkins. Wintering ducks, gulls and coots are plentiful on the lake in winter, as are wading birds like Snowy Egrets and Little Blue Herons.
Two miles of dirt roads along the Deep Creek Tract give you quick, easy access to a wet prairie in the Apalachicola River basin. Insect eating pitcher plants line the ditches around this prairie, which measures several hundred acres.
From the parking lot, this functioning wastewater treatment facility has nearly 8,000 feet of boardwalk through the titi-lined wetlands created by the plant’s treated wastewater discharge. As you enter the boardwalk, the first large pond on the left hosts wintering Blue-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead and Common Goldeneye to name a few. Swamp, Song and White-throated Sparrows exploit the weedy edges and Brown-headed Nuthatches and Pine Warblers call from the adjacent pinewoods.
Take one of the park’s river cruises to get excellent views of Least Bitterns, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, White Ibises, and wintering Hooded Mergansers. Alligators, Suwannee River Cooters and mullet are commonly seen; manatees are often found in the river and spring as well. The park also features the historic Wakulla Lodge with 27 guest rooms overlooking the springs, as well as a restaurant, soda fountain, and gift shop.
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park on Lake Jackson has areas of longleaf pine restoration, but its real asset is the beautiful deciduous slope forest following the trickle of small streams down to the big lake. Eastern Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings and Wild Turkeys use open grassy areas along the powerline entrance and horse trailer entrance.
Nestled between Blackwater Bay and Eglin Air Force Base, this unique and beautiful natural area is accessed from Highway 87 by driving through the westernmost portion of the air force base.
Home to Florida’s highest waterfall, Falling Waters State Park makes for a nice several-hour-long visit. Explore the sinkholes, waterfalls, lake and surrounding uplands via the Wiregrass and Sinkhole trails and boardwalks. Watch for Red-headed Woodpeckers, Bachman’s Sparrows, Brown-headed Nuthatches and Summer Tanagers in the uplands.
Another access to Lake Jackson, this one is a little more rustic, and your tires (not to mention your feet!) may get muddy at times of higher water. It’s best to park back from the landing and walk in, watching fence posts and small oaks for flycatchers and warblers.
Florida Caverns State Park has some of the best-preserved uplands in northwest Florida as well as mixed-hardwood swamps lining the drainage basin of the Chipola River. Known for northern species like Red-breasted Nuthatches (in pine forest) and Winter Wrens, this site is ideal for birding with miles of remote trails.
This site offers extensive hiking trails that are blazed in orange (compared to horse trails in pink or yellow). Pick up a map at the entrance and bring water. One of the best trail choices is the Center Loop: hike north from the parking area and stay right at every split on the orange-blazed trail to make a 2-mile loop back to the parking area.
This migratory hotspot is not to be missed in spring and fall, as tired migrants make landfall after long migratory flights. Batteries Langdon and Worth are both good stops for migrants; closely check flowering oaks. Please respect closed areas protecting nesting birds: the beach here is prime for breeding Snowy Plovers and Least Terns spring through fall.
This waterfront park is located on Rocky Bayou in Choctawhatchee Bay. Of its three trails, Red Cedar and Rocky Bayou are more interesting for birds than Sand Pine Trail. Walk the trails for migrants like Cedar Waxwings and Indigo Buntings.
Gorgeous wet prairie occupies much of this preserve, with slightly elevated patches of longleaf pine-wiregrass community breaking the otherwise unobstructed horizon. A habitat of extremes, this landscape burns frequently and absorbs lots of rainfall; trails may occasionally hold water so immersible shoes are recommended.
The 4.2-mile Grayton Beach Hike and Bike Trail runs through pine flatwoods and along the north end of Western Lake (a brackish, coastal dune lake), which can be good for wading birds, Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pied-billed Grebe and more.
The Gulf Islands National Seashore draws millions of visitors with its emerald waters, pristine white beaches, lush marshes, and rich historical landscapes. From pine warblers to pelicans, the area offers abundant birding opportunities. The diverse habitats, including beaches, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests and salt marshes, support over 300 bird species. The area is a … Read more
This small wayside park has a brief boardwalk along a creek lined with hardwoods. The area is worth checking in migration only, for songbirds like waterthrushes and Worm-eating and Hooded Warblers.
Henderson Beach State Park offers nice beachfront for nesting Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers. Piping Plovers are present in winter and migratory shorebirds like Whimbrel and Semipalmated Sandpiper may be encountered in spring and fall. During the summer observe the posted areas and take care not to disturb beach-nesting birds, which are often … Read more
Catch a glimpse of the vast, 202,437-acre Tate’s Hell State Forest on this scenic trail. From either of the two parking areas on US 98, a nature trail leads 4 miles through sand pine scrub good for Brown-headed Nuthatches, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Eastern Towhees year-round.
Scan the lake from the fishing pier, looking for waders along the shoreline and in offshore trees, as well as wintering ducks on the open water, like Green-winged Teal and Lesser Scaup. Better yet, explore the lake from the water.
his 226-acre portion of the greenway south of Marianna has more than 5 miles of foot trails through upland mixed and floodplain forest, pines, open fields, karst (cave) areas and wetlands, plus a non-motorized boat launch with access to the picturesque, 51-mile Chipola River Paddling Trail. The outer perimeter trail (made up of four loops) is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
This small park has a well-developed center, but down by the lake its sunny, woody edges are a haven for birds like Orange-crowned Warblers and the occasional Yellow-breasted Chat. A boardwalk and pier provide a view of Lake Jackson, where you can look for a diversity of wading birds like Wood Storks as well as wintering ducks and coots.
From the parking area follow the trail due east across the first pasture (watch for Purple Martins and Eastern Bluebirds around the gourds and nest boxes) and veer either way at the fork to continue through a series of open fields. Watch overhead for Red-tailed Hawks.
An extensive system of side roads closed to vehicles is open to exploration via foot, bicycle and equestrian traffic, and will yield wintering mixed flocks of warblers, Wild Turkeys in the open fields and Northern Bobwhites in the pinewoods.
Two recreation areas (north and south) make this area of the state forest fun to explore. Check for Bachman’s Sparrow and Brown-headed Nuthatch calling in the sandhills, ducks (including Wood Duck and Blue-winged Teal) and wading birds like Green Heron visible from the north access pier.
An oasis of woods, water, and wildlife in southeast Tallahassee. Fishing finger #2 is ADA accessible and offers two viewing docks. Look for Common and Purple Gallinule, Wood Duck and occasional Limpkin and Forster’s Tern. Birders can frequently observe Bald Eagle, Osprey, Wood Stork and a variety of wading birds and waterfowl.
The forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a variety of bird species, Bobcats, Coyotes, White-tailed Deer, Fox Squirrels, and the state-threatened Gopher Tortoise. The landscape features a range of ecosystems, from the dominant upland pine forests to flatwoods, sandhills, floodplain forests, and swamps. The presence of the Ochlockonee River and Lake … Read more
This recreation area in the east portion of the Apalachicola National Forest is different from the lower, longleaf savannah habitats of the tracts closer to the river. Here, higher sandhills of pine and turkey oak are broken by erosion in the underlying limestone, causing deep, dramatic crystal blue sinkholes which are rimmed with hardwoods.
Some large trees in this mature wetland hammock make for interesting flocks of migrants in spring and fall. Brushy areas north of the lake, and on the west and south perimeters of the complex may be good for wintering sparrows.
Check the boardwalk and waterfront for night-herons and Prothonotary Warblers, and hike the short trail to the left side of the property upon entering. Along the hiking trail look for Yellow-billed Cuckoos in spring, as well as Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites circling overhead in the summer.
As it descends through mixed pine-oak uplands, this charming and interesting 1.5-mile round-trip trail leads to a creek, beaver pond and associated wetlands. Listen for Red-breasted Nuthatches in fall in the uplands and Hermit Thrushes overwintering.
This visitor center and park HQ for the national seashore spans the spit of land separating Santa Rosa Sound to the south from Pensacola Bay to the north. From the sound-side shoreline south of the visitor center parking, scope for Common Goldeneye, Lesser Scaup and other wintering ducks.
Upon entering this state park, ask at the gate for the locations of active Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCWs) cavities or recent sightings. Head to the parking area at the end of the road, and in the northeastern corner, take the “Scenic Drive” loop road, which you may drive, bike or walk.
This part of the Wildlife and Environmental Area lies on the river’s west side and includes roughly 1,100 acres of old agricultural fields managed for hunting deer, turkey and quail. The same management techniques that benefit these species also make the area prime for sparrows, including the usual Swamp, Song and Savannah, plus the less common White-throated, White-crowned, Field, Vesper and Grasshopper, among others.
Though not as famous as the St. Marks Unit, St. Marks NWR’s Panacea Unit offers good birding too. Make a quick trip to the picnic area and boat launch at the end to check the cypress for Prothonotary Warblers and occasional wading birds, or choose to hike one of the longer trails.
This delightful little town park offers a waterfront pier with views of Ospreys, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Purple Martins and Least Terns, among others.
With binoculars alone, this site offers a fare of gulls and terns comparable to other area beach sites. However, with a spotting scope and a little blustery weather, this 0.25-mile pier can be a seawatcher’s dream, offering a stable site away from the beach to scan out over the sea.
This property encompasses the eastern tip of Perdido Key at the mouth of Pensacola Bay, with miles of undeveloped beach. To begin, turn left (north) 0.25 mile past the fee booth and park at the end of the road. A 0.5-mile loop with a boardwalk nature trail begins here, which can be good in spring for Neotropical songbirds such as Swainson’s Thrushes. Pine Warblers and Eastern Towhees call from the pinewoods while the boardwalk winds through marsh good for Clapper Rails and Spotted Sandpipers at muddy edges.
Although there are 13 miles of hiking trails at this state forest, the most rewarding birding at this site is via the Campground Loop and Dutch Tiemann Trails accessed from the camping area. The former is marked with red blazes and hugs the cypress margin of a lake for approx. 2 miles.
This site is part of the 41,000-acre Econfina Creek Water Management Area, owned by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. While it is a popular swimming area, a boardwalk trail allows easy access to both springs with a slope/floodplain forest popular with songbirds like Wood Thrushes and Kentucky Warblers. This site connects to another popular recreation area, Williford Spring, through an interpretative hiking trail where many other birds can be spotted.
Point Washington State Forest offers 3-, 5- and 10-mile hiking loops through longleaf pine flatwoods, coastal scrub and sandhills. Bachman’s Sparrows are very likely to be heard singing in spring in areas of wiregrass and palmetto in the southern half of the 3-mile loop.
This site’s real strength is wintering birds, especially those at the southernmost limit of their range. Birds like Winter Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper and Golden-crowned Kinglet are recorded during most winters.
This 6.6-mile, spectacular scenic drive passes through wet savannas and longleaf pine forest in some of the best condition you’ll find anywhere in the southeast. Watch for carnivorous plants, including four species of pitcher plants, growing in roadside wetlands. Look and listen for breeding Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Bachman’s Sparrows and Swainson’s Warblers.
Project GreenShores is a restoration project undertaken by a suite of advocates and agencies. Located across from the Pensacola Visitor Center along Bayfront Pkwy., the project is systematically establishing an emergent marsh and oyster reef along the waterfront.
While there are Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees ringed with white paint visible throughout the 571,000-acre national forest, this site offers the opportunity to park and hike to view the birds on foot without danger from passing traffic.
Sand Beach Rd. ends at a canoe/kayak launch, pier and viewing tower, in a nice hammock where Yellow-throated Warblers and Brown-headed Nuthatches are possible. Scan the reeds for waders like Little Blue Herons and from the tower, scope East Bay for loons, grebes and wintering ducks.
This Wakulla County park is worth a quick stop for a picnic lunch and a look for shorebirds. The parking area offers an easy vantage of loafing shorebirds in fall-winter-spring such as Short-billed Dowitchers, Dunlin, Willets, Marbled Godwits, Black Skimmers and more.
Shoal River Wayside Park is worth a quick check for wading birds at the river and songbirds in the adjacent floodplain forest. In this part of the Panhandle, floodplain corridors along rivers like this create migrant highways through arid turkey oak and sand pine uplands.
Shoreline Park South is a small sound-side park in Gulf Breeze, which lies between Fort Pickens and the mainland as the bird flies. This ensures it’s on the direct path of migrants coming in off the Gulf in spring. In winter, bird the waterfront for grebes and loons (occasional Pacific and Red-throated in years when vagrant birds are prevalent).
This small waterfront park on Lake Seminole is worth a stop if you’re in the area, to scope the open water for wintering ducks like Redheads, Canvasbacks, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, American Wigeon and more.
Particularly rewarding for beginners, this small marina is worth a quick stop if you’re in the area. The waterfront boardwalk (west-facing) has a series of educational signs on the area’s more common birds like Double-crested Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, herons and egrets.
At the peninsula’s east end, beaches north of the jetty fishing area are productive for shorebirds like Snowy Plovers and Willets; Black Skimmers occasionally loaf here. Gator Lake hosts a heron rookery in spring (Great Blue Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets).
St. George Island State Park is regularly rated one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, but what all the beachgoers don’t realize is that it is one of the best birding spots in the state, particularly during spring and fall migration.
This outstanding coastal site is a treasure trove of biological diversity; it protects significant surface water, recreational, archaeological, botanical and wildlife resources. Birders will find an interesting mix of year-round residents and migratory visitors, thanks to the diversity of well-managed habitats.
Located on the bay side of St. Joseph Peninsula, this parcel offers a casual hike through sand pine scrub to a fork in the trail. To the right, follow the trail to a large pavilion and a primitive camp site overlooking St. Joseph Bay, where you can scope for Buffleheads on the bay and Clapper Rails along the edges of the marsh.
This property is a remarkable migratory hotspot for raptors, songbirds in fall! Hike the beaches for Snowy and Piping Plovers (with caution not to disturb them); watch for gannets plunging offshore in fall and winter, and loons, cormorants and ducks wintering in the surf and bay.
Established in 1931 to provide winter habitat for migratory birds, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Spanning over 86,000 acres and including approximately 43 miles of the north Florida coast, the Refuge features coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks, and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers. … Read more
The Jefferson County portion of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on the east side of the Aucilla River. In spring and summer look for Swallow-tailed Kites, Yellow-crowned Night Herons and Green Herons. As you paddle you may encounter Limpkins, River Otters and maybe a manatee!
Spanning three counties, and with more than 300 recorded bird species, the 68,000-acre St. Marks NWR is a must-see. The St. Marks Unit includes refuge headquarters and the historic St. Marks Lighthouse; it’s also the unit most popular with birders and wildlife viewers, for good reason.
This extremely rustic refuge is under-birded in large part because it takes some effort to access it. Cross Indian Pass either by the private ferry or with your own boat. This barrier island is very large: prepare to hike the extensive sand roads or bring a bike. Be sure to pick up a map at the refuge office in Apalachicola, at the Indian Pass boat ramp, or download one online, and don’t forget water and bug spray!
From the parking lot, hike the trail west through flatwoods, listening for the “squeaky toy” call of Brown-headed Nuthatches, the wavering trills of Pine Warblers and the harsh, squawking sounds of Yellow-breasted Chats. For a shorter hike, veer left at the fork. The paved trail leads to a boardwalk through a titi forest (listen for breeding White-eyed Vireos), which emerges on the sheltered bayou.
The forest supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including Bald Eagles, Florida Black Bears, Gopher Tortoises, and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. Tate’s Hell is also known for its dwarf cypress trees, which only grow up to 15 feet high although some are over 150 years old. Visit the observation tower at the Ralph G. Kendrick Dwarf Cypress … Read more
This 5-mile stretch of Three Notch Rd. offers easy, safe roadside pulloffs with Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) cavity trees ringed with white paint, visible from the road. RCWs are most easily seen in breeding season in the mornings, when they emerge from their nest cavities to ferry food back to their waiting young.
Pine and hardwood uplands with big, old trees characterize this park on the south shore of Lake Seminole. This lake is actually a reservoir created at the confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers, where they form the Apalachicola—the opposite shoreline lies in Georgia.
Snowy Plovers nest here, and shorebirds ply the shoals near the outfall for Morris Lake at the Gulf. Scope the surf for Common Loons, Horned Grebes and Northern Gannets winter through spring.
This park is named after the Torreya tree, the world’s rarest evergreen, which only grows on bluffs on the eastern side of the Apalachicola River. Still in decline, this tree is the subject of much study, and can be seen here, alongside wonderful vantages of the Apalachicola River and interesting birds.
Walk the scenic 0.75-mile boardwalk along tannic Turkey Creek through a river forest of titi, maple, cypress and bay. Watch for Green Herons stalking minnows on low hanging branches over the water and Anhingas swimming in the creek. Mississippi Kites are common in summer and songbirds like White-eyed Vireos breed here.
The Edward Ball Nature Trail includes a short boardwalk through a nice ravine and swamp, with Prothonotary Warbler-laden cypress trees above and wading egrets below. Songbirds like Northern Parulas, Summer Tanagers and Great Crested Flycatchers frequent the area, and migration in spring and fall can yield some interestingvisiting species.
The waterfront, fishing bridge and offshore breakwater all host a variety of ages of Herring, Ring-billed and Laughing Gulls, Forster’s and Royal Terns and more. Common Loons feed very close to shore, and sport nearly complete breeding plumage in February/March before they return north. Bring your spotting scope to check the bay for wintering ducks and Horned Grebes.
While you’re in the City of Apalachicola sampling the fresh local seafood, make time to stroll this marvelous little trail which is steeped in history, not to mention floral and faunal treasures. The River Ramble and Boardwalk was established by the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve; this 0.5-mile (one way) trail is now owned by the city and maintained by dedicated volunteers. The path leads to a sizeable elevated platform with an incredible panoramic vista of a tidal creek, freshwater marsh and a pre-Columbian mound complex.
Here in the national forest, prescribed fire is used to keep pinewoods healthy, making it one of the best places to see Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Bachman’s Sparrows. Spring mornings are best for spotting both, when sparrow males are singing and woodpeckers are busy coming and going from their nest cavities.
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Russell Office Park
1875 Orange Ave. East
Tallahassee, FL 32311