Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/6/2026Ocala Wetland Recharge Park2 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/6/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive2 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/5/2026casa de los pájaros (private)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

3/5/2026Nancy Lopez Legacy Golf1 observed

Gray-headed Swamphen

Porphyrio poliocephalus

3/5/2026Emeralda Marsh CA--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

13/4/2026

American Wigeon

13/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

203/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/4/2026

Common Ground Dove

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Common Gallinule

603/4/2026

American Coot

2003/4/2026

Limpkin

13/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/4/2026

Forster's Tern

33/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/4/2026

Anhinga

103/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/4/2026

White Ibis

23/4/2026

Little Blue Heron

33/4/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/4/2026

Snowy Egret

23/4/2026

Great Egret

63/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

43/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area for birding?
The best months to visit Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area?
Notable species at Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area include Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Common Ground Dove. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area?
Birding at Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area?
Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.