Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 7 AM - sunset

About This Location

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Common Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, and Anhinga 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

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

Blue-winged Teal

13/6/2026

King Rail

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

103/6/2026

American Coot

83/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

73/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/6/2026

Anhinga

53/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

73/6/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

13/6/2026

Little Blue Heron

43/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

33/6/2026

Snowy Egret

23/6/2026

Green Heron

13/6/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

33/6/2026

Great Egret

33/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

73/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/6/2026

Osprey

43/6/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

13/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

43/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sweetwater Wetlands Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sweetwater Wetlands Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Sweetwater Wetlands Park?
Notable species at Sweetwater Wetlands Park include Common Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, White Ibis, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Fish Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sweetwater Wetlands Park?
Birding at Sweetwater Wetlands Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Sweetwater Wetlands Park?
The entrance fee at Sweetwater Wetlands Park is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 7 AM - sunset.
What amenities are available at Sweetwater Wetlands Park?
Sweetwater Wetlands Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.