Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: Unit 4

This small preserve on the sound side of St. George Island is a nice companion to the larger, more well-known migrant hotspot at St. George Island State Park. Trails lead off from the parking area and wind through coastal pine forest giving vantage of the sound and shoreline. Watch for water birds like Royal Tern, American Oystercatcher and Laughing Gull as well as migrants moving through: rarities such as Philadelphia Vireo and Nashville Warbler have been recorded; common migrants such as Common Nighthawk, Scarlet Tanager and Ovenbird all pass through this site as they arrive off the Gulf each spring. On your way off the island be sure to check out the reserve nature center. There are trails and a butterfly garden between the parking area and nature center. The latter has excellent exhibits and interpretation.