Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

LakeWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, and Chuck-will's-widow among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Blue-winged Teal Wild Turkey Chuck-will's-widow Common Gallinule American Coot

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

3/5/2026Beach Bum Blvd, Daytona Beach US-FL (29.2214,-81.1433)

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/2026SR-472 W, Orange City US-FL 28.95523, -81.258481 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/2026SR-472 W, Orange City US-FL 28.95523, -81.258481 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/2026Blue Spring SP1 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

2/20/20261 Leisure World Drive South, DeBary, Florida, US (28.847, -81.342)1 observed

Recent Observations

Blue-winged Teal

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

6 birds

Wild Turkey

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

Chuck-will's-widow

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

Common Gallinule

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

26 birds

American Coot

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

12 birds

Purple Gallinule

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

Sandhill Crane

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

3 birds

Killdeer

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

2 birds

Wilson's Snipe

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

2 birds

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

Greater Yellowlegs

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

Black Skimmer

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

Pied-billed Grebe

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

Anhinga

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

2 birds

Double-crested Cormorant

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

1 birds

White Ibis

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

4 birds

Glossy Ibis

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

175 birds

American Bittern

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

3 birds

Little Blue Heron

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

19 birds

Tricolored Heron

Lake Woodruff NWR

3/5/2026

10 birds

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in Florida

Everglades National Park

Vast subtropical wilderness with incredible wading bird concentrations and tropical species.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Remote island migrant trap with the only continental US Sooty Tern colony.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel Island mangrove refuge with spectacular wading bird viewing from Wildlife Drive.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge for birding?▼

The best months to visit Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Notable species at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, Chuck-will's-widow, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Birding at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.