Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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

Great Blue Heron (Great White)

Ardea herodias

3/5/2026Ten Thousand Islands NWR--Marsh Trail & Observation Tower1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

3/4/2026Picayune Strand SF--Belle Mead Horse Trail2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/1/2026Ten Thousand Islands NWR--Marsh Trail & Observation Tower1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

2/23/2026

Northern Shoveler

22/23/2026

Green-winged Teal

32/23/2026

Common Gallinule

2/23/2026

American Coot

82/23/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

22/23/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

42/23/2026

Anhinga

2/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/23/2026

White Ibis

62/23/2026

Glossy Ibis

42/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

12/23/2026

Little Blue Heron

62/23/2026

Tricolored Heron

42/23/2026

Snowy Egret

22/23/2026

Green Heron

32/23/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

62/23/2026

Great Egret

52/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

52/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/23/2026

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 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge?
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.