Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, and Sandhill Crane 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

3/5/2026GRU Power Station3 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/5/2026Kenwood Neighborhood1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/20265628 NW 57th Way, Gainesville US-FL 29.70713, -82.404521 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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026906 NW 35th Ave, Gainesville US-FL 29.68506, -82.333921 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Little Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

White-eyed Vireo

43/5/2026

Blue Jay

33/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

Fish Crow

13/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

33/5/2026

Carolina Wren

43/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Eastern Towhee

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

73/5/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

13/5/2026

Common Grackle

23/5/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

83/5/2026

Common Yellowthroat

33/5/2026

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 - Cones Dike Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike 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 - Cones Dike Trail?
Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail include Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Anhinga, Little Blue Heron. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail?
Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike 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 - Cones Dike Trail?
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Cones Dike Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.