Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore protects 24 miles of undeveloped barrier beach and dunes, the longest stretch along Florida’s east coast. The park provides critical habitat for several federally-listed threatened or endangered species, including birds like the Bald Eagle, Wood Stork, Florida Scrub-Jay, and Crested Caracara, the West Indian Manatee, five species of sea turtles, the Right Whale, two snake species, and one mouse species. Over 300 bird species have been observed at Canaveral, including nesting Wilson’s Plovers and large flocks of migrating or overwintering waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. Start your seashore adventure at either Playalinda Beach or Apollo Beach, but keep in mind these two ends of the shore are separated by an hour and a half long drive.
Featured Image: Flock of Black Skimmers
Sites At This Location
Playalinda Beach
The Playalinda Beach section of the National Seashore is a wonderful site with a very respectable checklist of birds. Watch for Florida Scrub-Jay immediately after the entrance station on either side of the road, and along the road towards vista #1. Pull over at any of the vistas along the road–marshy areas along the drive towards the beach to view Black-necked Stilt, Roseate Spoonbill, Osprey, Anhinga and Bald Eagle. Park at one of the numerous beach crossovers and bird the beach, watching for Semipalmated Plovers, Forster’s and Royal Terns and Great Black-backed Gulls (winter). Black Scoters can be seen feeding in the surf in winter and Northern Gannets are very common in the colder months. In fall, when the wind is blowing onshore scan the Atlantic for Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers, Audubon’s and Greater Shearwaters. Eddy Creek on the Mosquito Lagoon has a boat ramp and a boardwalk where you may see Reddish Egrets and American White Pelicans (winter). A backcountry permit is required to hike north to Klondike Beach; a beach wheelchair is available, ask at the entrance. Call the seashore’s headquarters for scheduled educational programming during your visit. Bring protection for the sun and biting insects.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
Managing Agency
US Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service
Operational Hours: 6 a,m. - 8 p.m.
Size: 1,817 acres
Apollo Beach
Twenty-four miles of undeveloped beach, acres of maritime hammock and coastal strand, plus the Mosquito Lagoon and associated mudflats ensure great birding at this barrier island preserve. Get a map at the entrance station and proceed to Turtle Mound on the right (west) side of the road, just prior to parking area #2. A viewing platform atop the mound is a perfect vantage point to scan the lagoon or ocean for birds. Continue south and pick up a bird checklist at the information center, where you can also check the lagoon. As you drive southward, there are multiple beach access points on the east side, each with elevated boardwalks/platforms on the dune line. They provide birders the opportunity to scope for seabirds and ducks in fall and winter; small flocks of Black and Surf Scoters may be seen between November and March. Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers are often spotted harassing terns and gulls, and there is always a chance of seeing Black Terns in August and September. Rarities like Long-tailed Duck, Cory’s Shearwater, and Iceland Gull have been recorded. Several short trails through maritime hammock are productive for Painted Buntings and migratory songbirds (Castle Windy Trail is recommended). Guided tours and programs are available, so call ahead for details or check the information center for a schedule when you arrive. A beach wheelchair is available, ask at the fee booth. Parking lots fill quickly, so it’s best to arrive early.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
Managing Agency
US Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service
Operational Hours: 8am to sunset
Size: 2,538 acres
