John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Osprey, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and White-eyed Vireo 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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/5/2026Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County Landfill (No Public Access)1 observed

Blue-crowned Parakeet

Thectocercus acuticaudatus

3/5/2026The Shoppes At Wellington Green9 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

3/4/2026Jonathan Dickinson SP2 observed

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

3/4/2026Jonathan Dickinson SP1 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

3/4/2026Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County Landfill (No Public Access)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/2026Winding Waters Natural area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

23/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

23/5/2026

Gray Catbird

33/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

83/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Piping Plover

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/5/2026

Royal Tern

33/5/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

33/5/2026

Brown Pelican

453/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Sanderling

53/4/2026

Northern Gannet

13/4/2026

Snowy Egret

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/4/2026

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 John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for birding?
The best months to visit John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park?
Notable species at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park include Osprey, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Gray Catbird. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park?
Birding at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park?
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.