Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

This world famous site provides access to Wakulla’s first magnitude spring. From the pier, look for Anhingas, Common Gallinules, Pied-billed Grebes and wintering Hooded Mergansers, as well as roosting Black Vultures in the cypress. For a “Real Florida” experience, take one of the park’s river cruises (first tour departs at 9:40am) to get excellent views of Least Bittern (summer), Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Osprey, and White Ibis. Alligators, Suwannee River Cooters and mullet are commonly seen; manatees are often found in the river and spring and when the water is clear the views are spectacular. The stunning 1930s-era lodge has roosting Chimney Swifts in late summer as they congregate prior to their fall migration.  During sunsets in August and September, hundreds can be seen spiraling into the disused chimney to roost for the night. Also, look for Mississippi Kites and Broad-winged Hawks soaring overhead. Hiking trails throughout this park provide access to floodplain forest good for Ovenbirds in migration and Prothonotary Warblers, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Northern Parulas in summer–you might also catch a glimpse of nesting Summer Tanagers.  Butterfly viewing is best here in late spring and fall. Many swallowtail and hairstreak species are seen on flowering trees and shrubs in spring. Texan Crescents and Appalachian Browns are regularly seen on the hiking trails north of the Wakulla River.