Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, and Mourning Dove 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

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

3/6/2026Harbor aisle National Trail, all along the lake14 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/6/2026Anna Maria Island--Bean Point1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/6/2026Roosevelt Wetland1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/5/2026Crescent Lake Park1 observed

Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)

Cairina moschata x Anas platyrhynchos

3/5/2026Crescent Lake Park1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

3/5/2026St. Petersburg Pier3 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Roosevelt Wetland1 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

3/5/2026Vance Vogel Park & Ponds1 observed

Smooth-billed Ani

Crotophaga ani

3/5/2026Fort De Soto Park1 observed

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

3/5/2026Fort De Soto Park1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

3/4/2026Personal Residence1 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

3/4/2026Perico Preserve1 observed

Florida Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma coerulescens

3/3/2026Moody Branch Mitigation Park and Environmental Area3 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

3/3/2026Moody Branch Mitigation Park and Environmental Area1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

3/3/2026Moody Branch Mitigation Park and Environmental Area2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

273/6/2026

Mourning Dove

83/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

43/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

23/6/2026

Wood Stork

83/6/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Snowy Egret

23/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/6/2026

Black Vulture

43/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

European Starling

33/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

33/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/6/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

23/6/2026

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 Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area for birding?
The best months to visit Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area?
Notable species at Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area include Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Killdeer. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area?
Birding at Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area?
Cockroach Bay Preserve and Surrounding Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.