Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4 is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Ruddy Turnstone, Great Blue Heron, and Brown Pelican among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

3/5/2026St. George Island SP--Youth Camp Area1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/4/2026SGI Patton Bridge East1 observed

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

2/21/2026St. George Island--Government Cut1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Turnstone

13/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Brown Pelican

13/3/2026

Osprey

23/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/3/2026

Black-bellied Plover

13/2/2026

Willet

13/2/2026

Sanderling

83/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/2/2026

Snowy Egret

33/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/2/2026

Gray Catbird

13/2/2026

Forster's Tern

42/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4 for birding?
The best months to visit Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4 for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4?
Notable species at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4 include Ruddy Turnstone, Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4?
Birding at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4?
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - Unit 4 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.