Category: Birding

With its many miles of coastline, acres of marshlands, and dense forests, Wakulla County is a haven for birdwatchers. Whether you’re an amateur birder who wants to do some casual wildlife watching or a professional with a telephoto lens, there are plenty of locations throughout Wakulla County where you can encounter hundreds of different species.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatching mecca in Wakulla County. The diversity of wildlife throughout the refuge means that you have an opportunity to see many different avian species no matter what season you visit, from the abundant to the remarkably rare.

Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are seen in spades throughout the year, but the winter months offer better chances to see their less common cousins such as the Reddish Egret and the Black-crowned Night Heron.

There are also several different species of birds of prey that call the St. Marks NWR their home in the winter, including the Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and the Peregrine Falcon. You might also catch a glimpse of an elegant White-faced Ibis or a beautiful Barn Owl when you visit from December through February.

The refuge is also an important center for the recovery effort of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. The birds are still uncommon, but populations have been increasing and it’s possible you’ll spot one of the many trees through the refuge.

These examples just scratch the surface of the incredible number of species you can observe at St. Marks NWR. Every season offers its own unique set of inhabitants and opportunities.

Mashes Sand Beach and Wakulla Beach

Many different types of shorebirds frequent the coasts where Wakulla County meets the Gulf of Mexico. White and Brown Pelicans and Double-crested cormorants are frequently seen along the coastal areas, and the waterfowl population of the area soars in the winter months.

Other birding hot spots in Wakulla County

Other areas you may want to visit include:

• Bottoms Road—This drive through salt marsh area to a boat launch ramp often yields sights of wading birds and a variety of different sparrows
• Dickerson Bay—The area around the Wakulla Welcome Center near Dickerson Bay is a prime spot for viewing because of the open expanse of sky
• Bald Point State Park—A beautiful park on the coast near Alligator Point, just seven miles southeast of Panacea, that offers lush scenery and great bird watching opportunities

No matter where you go in Wakulla County for a glimpse of birds, make sure you are prepared. Winter months can be wet and cool, so rain gear is advised. Also, sun protection is still important even when it’s colder outside. Wakulla County is truly a birding paradise, so make the most of your opportunity to connect with nature.

In spring, Wakulla County offers the opportunity to view a diverse array of returning neotropical migrants in fresh breeding plumage and find resident birds already singing on territory.

Wakulla County has over two hundred species of residents, lingering winter birds, returning nesters and migrants. Spring wildflowers attract Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, hungry after a long Gulf crossing. Shorebirds and swallows pass through on their journey North. You may find Painted Buntings mixed in with flocks of indigo Buntings on especially good mornings.

March and April are prime migration months on the Gulf coast, and Wakulla County’s strategic location and wealth of accessible public lands make it a convenient base for exploring the area. Migrant birds crossing from the Yucatan peninsula mix with birds migrating through the Caribbean and the Florida peninsula to create a diverse avian mix to enjoy.

Great Places in Wakulla County for Birding

• Fallouts on the Wakulla coast can result in sightings of tanagers, grosbeaks, orioles, eighteen species of transiting marbles and four returning residents warblers as migrants stop to feed and rest.
• Check out Tower Pond Trail or along Wakulla Beach Road in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
• Bird the trails at Wakulla Springs State park, where you can also find nesting Prothonotary and Hooded Warblers before taking the River Boat tour for close-up views of swamp birds and manatees.
• Early risers can start the day at the Lighthouse Levee Trail on the Refuge or Mashes Sands County Park and watch as hundreds of Common Loons take off on their return flight to the North County.
• Try the Wakulla River for Limpkin and check the mid-morning skies for mixed flocks of returning Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites, as you head inland to Ochlocknee River State Park to find singing Bachman’s Sparrows and nesting Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

For the spring birder, Wakulla County provides a remarkable array of birding opportunities with easy access to riding sites, great local restaurants serving fresh seafood and reasonably priced accommodations.

This article first appeared in Birding Digest, written by Wakulla County resident and birding enthusiast, Don Morrow

In a region filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation, Wakulla County stands out, especially in the winter. If you are a birder and hiker like me, there are many opportunities for viewing a wide variety of species this time of year. The best locations include the Ochlocknee River or Wakulla Springs State Park, the beach at Mashes Sands or my personal favorite, St Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Each has its advantages, each is different and each is worth a visit during the winter season.

St. Mark’s Refuge and Tours

You don’t have to be a hardcore birder to appreciate St. Mark’s in the winter. The majesty and spectacle of hunting eagles, the choreographed twists and turns of sandpiper flocks in flight over the mudflats or the quiet beauty of a bobcat padding along the road require no special training or knowledge to appreciate. If you are a novice birder or just interested in familiarizing yourself with Wakulla County’s winter birds, you should consider trying one of St. Mark’s bird tours. Each is led by a knowledgeable and patient guide who can help you regardless of your skill level.

If you do not take a tour, try visiting Lighthouse Road. Lighthouse Road provides easy access to the refuge’s ponds, which were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to create a habitat for wintering waterfowl. The dikes that separate the ponds are open for walking and biking. They provide easy views of mixed flocks of ducks and five different species of herons and egrets. On sunny days following a cool night, you can safely watch alligators that have come out to warm up in the sun. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see an otter swimming along searching for fish and frogs.

Bald Eagle Watching

Winter is also nesting time for Bald Eagles. They return to the refuge every fall to take advantage of the congregations of ducks and coots that form their food supply. They are easy to spot from Lighthouse Road, sitting in the tops of trees or soaring over the ponds, causing the ducks to fly. One good place to observe eagles is on the last stretch of road before the lighthouse. Off to the right across the salt marsh is a line of pine trees that contains a large and conspicuous eagle nest. This time of the year, if you look closely, you will see the white head of an incubating adult eagle sitting on eggs in the nest. When the eagle’s mate is not hunting, it can be seen sitting on a branch nearby, guarding its mate and the nest.

For more information on birding or visiting Wakulla County, please check out our birding or accommodations page.

The stunning, white sand beaches and abundant sea life of the Florida gulf coast garner plenty of praise, and they deserve every bit of it. What’s less well-known is that Wakulla County, Florida is heaven on earth for amateur bird watchers and master ornithologists alike.

Owing to the area’s warm climate and diverse marine ecology, many different species of birds make their home in and near Wakulla County at various times throughout the year. These include the White-faced Ibis, the Snow Goose, Black Duck, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Vermillion Flycatcher, and many, many more!

The natural habitats of Wakulla County offer incredible sightseeing opportunities for birding enthusiasts of any knowledge – and skill-level. Whether you prefer being led by an expert guide on an excursion, or you’d rather trek on your own path in the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge or the Wakulla State Forest, you’ll feel right at home in the unique, natural beauty of Wakulla County. Start planning your visit today, and learn about all the amazing experiences waiting for you in Wakulla County.

Year-Round Birds

Much like many of the human residents of Florida’s gulf coast, many species of birds enjoy the frequent warm weather of the area throughout the seasons. You’re likely to spot and hear red-cockaded woodpeckers among the forest pine trees, and brown-headed nut hatches and Bachman’s sparrows thrive throughout the region as well.

Summer Birds

The many lakes and rivers dotting the landscape of the Florida panhandle are crucial to the survival of the birds in the area, especially during the hot and humid summers for which the state is famous. That’s why you’ll often see the distinct deep, black and white v-shape of the swallow-tailed kite soaring above the St. Mark’s River in the summertime. These are the birds after which flying kites were named. Highly sought purple gallinules can also be spotted during the hottest months of the year, especially in and around Headquarters Pond.

Winter Birds

The St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most beloved institutions in all of Wakulla County. Aside from being a beautiful place to see diverse wildlife, it demonstrates the county’s dedication to preserving these unique natural habitats which are so important to the region’s ecological system. It was originally created as a refuge for migratory ducks, and every year from November through February they still make their way to the refuge. Clubs come from neighboring states and as far away as Miami to witness these ducks on their remarkable journey.

Bald Eagles

Among the most majestic animals on earth and near the top of any serious birder’s wish list is the bald eagle. They typically begin their arrival in Wakulla County in September and begin to nest just before winter begins, remaining there until the spring thaw in the northern US.

More Fun in Wakulla County

Birding is just the beginning of what makes Wakulla County such a distinctive destination. Kayakers, hikers, and history buffs will all find memorable excursions during their Wakulla County visit. See what exciting adventures await you in the Natural Place to Be.

Find your accomodations here for an overnight trip to the area, or learn more about some of the best spots for birding here on our website!

I logged 88 species, including 18 species of waterfowl, during a five-hour morning recon for Saturday’s Wildlife Tour at St. Marks.

Duck numbers and diversity are building steadily. Shorebirds are abundant. Lots of winter residents have returned and more will be pushed down by this week’s front.

Some highlights of the morning were:

Stony Bayou I (where most of the shorebirds are)
Canvasback
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Ruddy Duck
Black-bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
American Avocet (10)
Willet
Greater Yellowlegs
Western sandpiper
Least sandpiper
Dunlin (abundant)
Short-billed dowitcher

Stony Bayou II
Snow Goose (one blue phase)
Wood Duck
GW Teal
Mallard
BW Teal
Gadwall
Redhead
Hooded Merganser
Wood Stork (15)

Mounds Pool
IGW Teal
Gadwall
Redhead
Greater Scaup

Mounds Pool III
GW Teal
Black Duck (one pair)
Mallard (including one pair in aberrant plumage; pale bluish-gray with dark head and tail)
Northern Pintail
BW Teal
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Redhead
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead

Lighthouse Pond and offshore
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
White-faced Ibis (two hanging with a Glossy)
Nelson’s Sparrow (several along the shoreline)

Ring-necked Ducks have been regular on Headquarters Pond. Although Vermilion Flycatcher has been reported off-and on at several spots on the refuge, I didn’t have one. All in all, it was a great way to burn a few vacation hours.

Call the refuge at 850-925-6121 to sign up.

Good birding.