Gulf Islands National Seashore - Fort Pickens
Florida · Southeast
Challenging
October-April
$25 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Gulf Islands National Seashore - Fort Pickens is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 335 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, White-winged Dove, 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
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Inca Dove
Columbina inca
Western Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Wilson's Plover
Anarhynchus wilsonia
Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillata
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Boat-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus major
Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)
Cairina moschata x Anas platyrhynchos
Prairie Warbler
Setophaga discolor
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Bufflehead
Mourning Dove
Sora
Killdeer
Bonaparte's Gull
Laughing Gull
Royal Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Brown Pelican
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Marsh Wren
Carolina Wren
Gray Catbird
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Check access conditions and any ferry schedules before planning your trip to ensure the site is reachable.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Pensacola Lighthouse
- National Naval Aviation Museum
- Pensacola Beach
More in Florida
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Sanibel Island mangrove refuge with spectacular wading bird viewing from Wildlife Drive.