Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Double-crested Cormorant, and Little Blue Heron 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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/20268740 Indiana Avenue, Melbourne, Florida, US (28.072, -80.684)1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

3/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park2 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

3/4/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary1 observed

Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

3/2/2026Fishermans Landing (Grant Co.)5 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

3/1/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

2/28/2026121 North Cypress Street, Fellsmere, Florida, US (27.773, -80.604)1 observed

Sandhill Crane (Florida)

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026historic Tram Rd2 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

2/26/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP - Yellow Trail1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/26/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

2/26/2026T.M. Goodwin WMA--Broadmoor Unit1 observed

Tropical Kingbird (Middle American)

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/25/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/2026SR-60 E, Vero Beach US-FL 27.66622, -80.799521 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

2/24/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP (Indian River Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/1/2026

American Kestrel

33/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

Tree Swallow

23/1/2026

Barn Swallow

13/1/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

13/1/2026

Gray Catbird

13/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/1/2026

American Robin

13/1/2026

Bachman's Sparrow

63/1/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

33/1/2026

Common Grackle

13/1/2026

Palm Warbler

43/1/2026

Pine Warbler

183/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park?
Notable species at Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park include Mourning Dove, Double-crested Cormorant, Little Blue Heron, Swallow-tailed Kite, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park?
Birding at Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park?
Saint Sebastian River Preserve State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.