Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/6/2026Ocala Wetland Recharge Park2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026Timberwood Northwest4 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/5/2026Emeralda marsh conservation area1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

3/5/2026KOCF South (Restricted Access)2 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/5/2026casa de los pájaros (private)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

3/5/2026Nancy Lopez Legacy Golf1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

3/5/20265904 Barclay Ct, Wildwood US-FL 28.78972, -81.972066 observed

Gray-headed Swamphen

Porphyrio poliocephalus

3/5/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

53/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Limpkin

13/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

43/6/2026

Forster's Tern

43/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

53/6/2026

Anhinga

43/6/2026

White Ibis

323/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/6/2026

Great Egret

33/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

23/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

43/6/2026

Barred Owl

23/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

73/6/2026

White-eyed Vireo

43/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area?
Notable species at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area include Wild Turkey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area?
Birding at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area?
Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.