Mosaic Peace River Park

This site offers a nearly 1-mile boardwalk through the cypress floodplain forest down to the Peace River. Winding through ancient trees in the cool shade of swampland, the boardwalk guides you through a migrant songbird mecca. Look for Limpkins and winter ducks, including Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Hooded Merganser and Ruddy Duck. Winter songbirds such as Gray Catbird, Blue-headed Vireo and House Wren may be seen. This site’s bird list includes more than 25 wood-warbler species including Louisiana Waterthrush and Chestnut-sided Warbler. Knowing your bird calls helps in this forest, as the high canopy can make viewing a challenge. Reclaimed mine lands west of the parking area contain over 7 miles of multi-use trails through wetlands and scrub. This spot can produce American White Pelican (winter), and migratory shorebirds such as Stilt Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher. Raptor diversity at this park is good, with species such as Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Swallow-tailed Kite. Short-tailed Hawks are sometimes observed, and may even breed in the area.