Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Pied-billed Grebe, White Ibis, and Osprey 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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026GRU Power Station2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/202628th Yard1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/6/2026Kenwood Neighborhood1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

3/6/20263101 SW First Way, Gainesville US-FL 29.62464, -82.326321 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/6/2026San Felasco Hammock Preserve SP1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/6/20263920 NW 36th Pl, Gainesville US-FL 29.68657, -82.383401 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/5/2026Orange Lake61 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--US-441 observation deck1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

3/4/2026San Felasco City Park1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

3/4/2026Newnans Lake--Earl P. Powers Park1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/4/2026Sweetwater Wetlands Park2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

3/4/2026University of Florida--University Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pied-billed Grebe

13/4/2026

White Ibis

123/4/2026

Osprey

13/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/4/2026

Barred Owl

13/4/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Eastern Phoebe

53/4/2026

White-eyed Vireo

33/4/2026

Blue Jay

23/4/2026

American Crow

43/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/4/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

33/4/2026

Northern House Wren

13/4/2026

Carolina Wren

133/4/2026

Gray Catbird

43/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails for birding?
The best months to visit Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails?
Notable species at Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails include Pied-billed Grebe, White Ibis, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails?
Birding at Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails?
Chapmans Pond and Nature Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.