Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441

Florida · Southeast

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

Grassland

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, and Osprey among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Double-crested Cormorant Snowy Egret Osprey Bald Eagle Pileated Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

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

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026GRU Power Station3 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/5/2026Kenwood Neighborhood1 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

Double-crested Cormorant

13/2/2026

Snowy Egret

13/2/2026

Osprey

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/2/2026

Common Grackle

53/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

32/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Eastern Phoebe

22/27/2026

American Crow

22/27/2026

Fish Crow

22/27/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

12/27/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

22/27/2026

Carolina Wren

42/27/2026

Gray Catbird

12/27/2026

American Goldfinch

22/27/2026

Northern Parula

22/27/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 for birding?▼

The best months to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 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 - East of US 441?▼

Notable species at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 include Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports grassland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441?▼

Birding at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 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 - East of US 441?▼

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - East of US 441 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.