J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Mottled Duck, and Common Ground 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

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

3/4/2026Lovers Key SP1 observed

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

3/4/2026Lakes Park, Fort Myers US-FL 26.52471, -81.880851 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/1/2026Oriole Road1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

2/25/2026Bailey Homestead Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

73/5/2026

Mottled Duck

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Common Gallinule

13/5/2026

Black-bellied Plover

63/5/2026

Killdeer

123/5/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/5/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/5/2026

Willet

23/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

23/5/2026

Red Knot

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/5/2026

Anhinga

53/5/2026

White Ibis

43/5/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/5/2026

Snowy Egret

13/5/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

53/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract for birding?
The best months to visit J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract?
Notable species at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract include Blue-winged Teal, Mottled Duck, Common Ground Dove, Common Gallinule, Black-bellied Plover. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract?
Birding at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract?
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Bailey Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.