Old Agricultural Fields

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.

» Visit this Site

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve

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.

» Visit this Site

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve: Deal Tract

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.

» Visit this Site

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

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.

» Visit this Site

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

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!

» Visit this Site

Old Agricultural Fields

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.

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve

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.

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve: Deal Tract

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.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

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.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

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!