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.
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.
This delightful little town park offers a waterfront pier with views of Ospreys, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Purple Martins and Least Terns, among others.
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.
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).
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.
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.
This delightful little town park offers a waterfront pier with views of Ospreys, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Purple Martins and Least Terns, among others.
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.
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).
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