Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, and American Crow 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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026GRU Power Station2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/202628th Yard1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/6/2026Kenwood Neighborhood1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

3/6/20263101 SW First Way, Gainesville US-FL 29.62464, -82.326321 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/6/2026San Felasco Hammock Preserve SP1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/6/20263920 NW 36th Pl, Gainesville US-FL 29.68657, -82.383401 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/5/2026Orange Lake61 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Paynes Prairie Preserve SP--US-441 observation deck1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

3/4/2026San Felasco City Park1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

3/4/2026Newnans Lake--Earl P. Powers Park1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/4/2026RF (NO PUBLIC ACCESS)2 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/4/2026Sweetwater Wetlands Park2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

3/4/2026University of Florida--University Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

203/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Crow

23/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/4/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/4/2026

Song Sparrow

43/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

43/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/3/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/3/2026

Black Vulture

43/3/2026

Osprey

23/3/2026

Northern Harrier

13/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

White-eyed Vireo

43/3/2026

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 Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail?
Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail include Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail?
Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail?
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Bolen Bluff Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.