Timucuan Preserve Federally Managed Lands
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers exceptional opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing. The observation platform at the Theodore Roosevelt Area (https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/tra.htm) is a favorite spot for birders, while shorebirds are commonly seen in the marshes and along the beaches near Fort George Island. Butterflies flourish in the Kingsley Plantation garden, particularly in the spring. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a wide range of mammals, including Bobcats, foxes and Manatees. Dolphins are regularly seen from the Fort Caroline (https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/foca.htm) observation platform. Reptiles of all shapes and sizes, including the iconic American Alligator and Eastern Indigo Snake, also call the preserve home. We recommend two locations in the preserve, Kingsley Plantation and Cedar Point, which are about 40 minutes apart by car.
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Sites At This Location
Kingsley Plantation
Located on the northernmost tip of Fort George Island, the Kingsley Plantation is a good place to view fall Neotropical songbird migration. From mid-September to mid-October, birders will find 20+ species of wood-warbler in the hardwood hammocks, plus wading birds and shorebirds along the salt marsh and mudflats of the Fort George River. Spring migration is equally exciting, with Black-throated Blue Warbler, Ovenbird, American Redstart and Worm-eating Warbler passing through. Scan the hardwoods for Blue-headed Vireo and Hermit Thrush in winter. Painted Bunting and Gull-billed Tern may be found in spring and summer; Reddish Egret and Gray Kingbird sometimes occur here as well. The site checklist includes raptors such as Osprey, Bald Eagle and Northern Harrier (winter). Examine the island’s daily sightings report and pick up a map and bird checklist at the on-site visitor center, which also details the cultural history of the property. Portions of this island are in private ownership; please respect posted private property.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
Managing Agency
US Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service
Operational Hours: Open sunrise to sunset.
Size: 52 acres
Cedar Point
Cedar Point features maritime hammock, salt marsh, scrubby flatwoods and freshwater wetlands. This tract is a migrant magnet from mid-April through early May, and again from late September to mid-October, harboring Painted and Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers as well as 20+ species of wood-warbler. This site is excellent for Yellow-breasted Chats in the spring and summer. Begin your exploration of this site at the boat basin first, on the east side of the road, scanning for Sora and Clapper Rail (you can also launch kayaks and canoes here if desired). Next, walk back to the entrance and go south 200 feet to the end of Cedar Point Rd., where you’ll find a locked gate on the west side; 5 miles of hiking trails start here. A short trail system leads west and south and ends within a mile on the marsh front. A northbound trail is longer and extends through some pine plantation areas and past freshwater wetlands. This area is quite wild and remote, so prepare to walk, bring plenty of water and bird here with a companion for safety. Yellow flies make this property unpleasant from late May to August.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
Managing Agency
US Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service
Operational Hours: Open sunrise to sunset.
Size: 419 acres
