Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 306 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

3/5/2026Leedom Home (private residence)1 observed

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

3/4/2026St. Marks NWR (please consider using a more precise location)2 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026St. Marks NWR (please consider using a more precise location)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/1/2026South Moon Under Murphy Residence1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/1/2026Private Residence1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/1/2026Bald Point SP1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

2/28/2026Mossy Oak Preserve (Limited Access)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/27/20261255 Lighthouse Road, Saint Marks, Florida, US (30.087, -84.166)1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

2/24/2026St. Marks NWR (please consider using a more precise location)1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

2/24/2026St. Marks NWR (please consider using a more precise location)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

83/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

53/5/2026

Bufflehead

123/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Black-bellied Plover

153/5/2026

Killdeer

53/5/2026

Semipalmated Plover

753/5/2026

Marbled Godwit

203/5/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

83/5/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

103/5/2026

Willet

253/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

153/5/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

43/5/2026

Dunlin

1003/5/2026

Least Sandpiper

4003/5/2026

Western Sandpiper

1003/5/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

23/5/2026

Laughing Gull

43/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

153/5/2026

Black Skimmer

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats for birding?
The best months to visit Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats?
Notable species at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats include Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Dunlin. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats?
Birding at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats?
Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge - Lighthouse Pool & Flats offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.