Our beaches are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming. But the shoreline, fragile sand dunes, vibrant salt marshes, and sun-dappled maritime forests are also home to a fascinating variety of species. Here are the top tips and locations for viewing wildlife and birds on Florida’s Historic Coast.
Go Birding On Anastasia Island
Anastasia Island and Anastasia State Park are favorite locations for birders. Wood storks are a threatened species, but after heavy rain they can often be seen gathered at the retention pond beside Route 312 at the western end of the bridge from Anastasia Island. Bright pink roseate spoonbills like this pond, too. Flocks of vivid green Monk’s parrots can often be seen (and heard) flying along A1A on Anastasia Island. Always in a hurry, they sound as if they are constantly arguing.
Bring your camera when you visit the Wading Bird Rookery at The Alligator Farm & Zoological Park. From March through June, you’ll see native herons, egrets, spoonbills and wood storks as they nest in the oaks overlooking the alligator lagoon where their young are safe from tree-climbing predators.
Nature Trails at Fort Matanzas National Monument
For excellent bird watching head to Fort Matanzas National Monument on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island. Admission is free and you can follow the trail south along the water. Bird life is plentiful in the trees. Be sure to look for owls’ nests. At the shoreline, wading birds silently stalk their prey, and dolphins and manatees frequently swim by. There is a seasonal free ferry to take visitors to the old Spanish fort on Rattlesnake Island – another great opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Birding in Ponte Vedra Beach
The GTM Research Reserve protects 74,000 acres of conservation lands and waters. So it’s no surprise that this area attracts wildlife and a variety of birds as well as those who love to view them. One of the highlights of the area is a bald eagle’s nest, which is visible from the telescope at Visitor Center. Further north on A1A, birders frequent Bird Island Park to enjoy the serene beauty and stillness of its water features and hammocks that attract birds of all species.
