Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

This City of Jacksonville beach park offers a diversity of habitats and an impressive checklist of over 200 bird species. This site has nearly 20 miles of hiking and biking trails; pick up a trail guide and a bird checklist at the entrance. Park immediately after passing the entrance gate and walk south on the dirt road, where freshwater finger lakes support Anhingas, Wood Stork and both species of night heron. In the winter check the lakes for ducks. The hardwood hammock northeast of the parking lot has bike trails where migratory songbirds can be found during the spring and fall; 28 species of wood-warbler have been recorded including Nashville and Bay-breasted. By driving further into the park, you can access the beachfront, looking for Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Black Skimmer and Great Black-backed Gulls (winter). Visit the gazebo at beach access #9 to search the ocean for Northern Gannets and sea ducks. In winter, you may spot Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers chasing gulls and terns offshore. Other uncommon winter species to look for include Red-throated Loon, Surf Scoter and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Please respect the posted critical wildlife area and sea turtle nesting sites.