The Binocular Site
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of the oldest in the nation, covering 68000 acres of northwestern Florida.
It was first established in 1931, and consists of several islands, marshes, and creeks along with the estuaries of seven rivers.
Several sections come together to build the entire refuge, including swamps, forests, and beaches as well. Fishing and boating are quite popular here as well as birdwatching, with several ramps available.
In the winter months huge numbers of ducks and geese stay here, and the refuge checklist identifies 30 species of waterfowl. Be sure to look for Eurasian Wigeons, Cinnamon Teals, Willets, Dowitchers, Godwits, Plovers, Sandpipers, Ospreys, Clapper Rails, Purple Galinule, Least Terns, Gray Kingbirds, and Black-necked Stilts.
Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, and Kingfishers are also seen, although the park is best known for its shorebirds and wading birds including storks and egrets. Balding Eagles are another favorite with 14 active nesting territories.
Apart from birdwatching, hiking and butterfly-watching are popular at the refuge, and St. Mark's lighthouse offers an exciting and unique sight as well.
The Florida state bird is officially listed as the Northern Mockingbird and you can find a birding checklist for Florida here.
Photo credit to Gary J. Wood, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the wildlife, recreation and education opportunities at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and even download their publications here.
If you've visited St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Florida birding location below.
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