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St. George Island State Park

Florida  >  United States

One of the best birding sites in all of Florida. During fallout conditions, the number of migrant songbirds can be spectacular.

Added* by Santiago Rodriguez
Most recent update 27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2023

Description

St. George Island State Park is located on the east end of St. George Island, approximately 10 miles southeast of Eastpoint, in northwestern Florida. A fantastic spot for birdwatching with almost 300 species of birds that have been documented here. In winter, look for Piping Plovers and Bonaparte’s Gulls along the beach and Northern Gannet offshore. Snowy Plovers, Least Terns and American Oystercatchers nest here and Gull-billed Terns cruise the beach in summer. However the park is famous because of the excellent birding it offers during spring and fall migration.

The oaks and pines around the youth camp and sugarhills campground provide shelter for migrant birds who have just crossed (spring) or are about to cross (fall) the Gulf of Mexico. Over 30 species of wood-warbler have been recorded including Cerulean and Cape May and on a good day, Indigo Buntings are a common sight. During fallout conditions, the number of migrant songbirds can be spectacular. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and Western Kingbirds are recorded every October and major rarities like Sage Thrasher, Lazuli Bunting and Bullock’s Oriole have been recorded. If you are birding in the Florida Panhandle between September and May, this site is a must visit.

Details

Access

Access to the park is off U.S. 98, by way of a 4-mile-long bridge. The address is 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive. The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Admission Fee $6 per vehicle (two to eight people) or $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.

There are two trails to explore the area. The 2.5-mile trail to Gap Point begins in the campground and meanders through the pine flatwood forest to the bay. The East Slough Overlook Trail can be accessed half-mile down the trail from the campground or at the East Slough Beach Use Area. The 1-mile-long East Slough Overlook Trail features boardwalks and resting benches.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Beach , Sea

Conditions

Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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