From Palms to Pines
Come explore the natural lands of Martin County and you are sure to add to your birding life list. From the undeveloped beaches and mangrove shorelines of the Indian River Lagoon to the oak hammocks and wetlands, Martin County has a rich diversity of habitats to explore. Within Martin County you can find five Florida State Parks and one National Wildlife Refuge making it a birding paradise and home to many resident and migratory bird species.
You can also catch glimpses of several rare and threatened birds such as the famous Florida Scrub Jay and the Roseate Spoonbill. What are you waiting for? Come immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Martin County.
It is Nesting Season! Please Remember We Share Our Shores with Coastal Birds!
From March to September many species of birds are nesting and raising their young. But did you know that we also have threatened birds that nest on the ground? Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for marked areas. When scared, ground nesting birds can leave their eggs or young making them vulnerable to predators.
When you see birds loafing on the beach or sand spits, they are often resting from migration or feeding – please never chase and keep your dog leashed.
Click HERE to learn more about coastal birds
Migratory Spotlight
As you explore our beautiful natural areas this spring and summer, look up to see if you can catch a glimpse of the soaring Swallow-tailed Kite. This graceful bird glides through the air and swoops into the tree tops to grab its prey. Don’t miss your chance to see one, as this magnificent bird will leave here late summer or fall for South America.
Hit the Trail
Situated in the southern region of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Martin County has vast natural areas to view a diversity of bird species. In fact, Martin County has eleven official sites on the Trail.
Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland WEA
Lake Okeechobee Ridge: Rafael E. Sanchez Trail
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of hundreds of premier wildlife viewing areas across Florida and it a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Click on the logo below to access the main page.
BIRDING 101
New to birding? No worries! HERE is the Florida State Park’s Beginners Guide to Birding!
The Life List
Below are some iconic birds you may see while on your outdoor adventure in Martin County
FLORIDA SCRUB JAY
This state and federally threatened bird is one of a kind and is only found in Florida. This charismatic bird has a complex social structure and has beautiful blue and grey coloring. Being able to add this bird to your life list is a special and unique experience.
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS: Check out Jonathan Dickinson State Park for a glimpse of the Florida Scrub Jay. For details, pop into their Else Kimbell Visitor Center to learn more.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Once over hunted for their magnificent bright pink feathers, this now threatened bird can be seen throughout Martin County year-round in a variety of water bodies. Their oddly spoon shaped bill has specialized nerve endings which helps them search for food in shallow water.
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS: You can find Spoonbills on the Indian River Lagoon and in other water bodies in Martin County such as Lakeside Ranch STA, Kitching Creek Preserve, Hawks Bluff (Savannas Preserve State Park), or Deleplane Preserve
OSPREY
This amazing raptor can be found year-round in Florida and can be seen swooping and diving into water bodies for its favorite prey- fish. Their habitats include lakes, the coast, rivers and swamps and they are an amazing bird to see flying over our beautiful waters. Listen for their whistling calls to each other!
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS: Any park or preserve near the Indian River Lagoon such as Indian RiverSide Park, Peck Lake Park, Clifton S. Perry Beach, or Twin Rivers Park
PILEATED WOODPECKER
Their distinctive and prehistoric call matches the striking red flaming crest on their heads. These flashy and impressive birds were once threatened due to deforestation but have gradually increased in numbers since the early 1900’s. They are large, growing to 17” and are a delight to see year-round gracefully cruising amongst the trees or on a tree excavating their charismatic rectangle hole.
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS: For some possible sightings (or more likely to hear) the Pileated woodpecker check out spots such as Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area, Halpatiokee Regional Park (Hiking Trails), Maggy’s Hammock Park or SeaBranch State Park.
WINGS OVER FLORIDA
Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Wings Over Florida program where you can earn a certificate for different categories of birding achievements.
Click HERE to learn about the program and for a birding check list to guide your birding adventure!
A Birding Community
Here in Martin County we have a passionate community focused on the conservation and protection of wildlife. With a variety of organizations conducting projects such as habitat restoration, outreach and education, to wildlife rehabilitation there is no shortage of efforts to protect and sustain healthy bird populations here locally. Click on the partners below to experience your unique bird experience.
Want to know more? Check out the links below
#discovermartin #explorenaturalmartin
Upcoming Birding Events
Upcoming Eco Events
