Grab your cameras and binoculars and start your birding journey along our coastline.
Pensacola is home to many native birds, and Pensacola is also located between two major fly zones, Gulf Islands National Seashore on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, the longest stretch of protected seashore in the country. These spots are also the first stop for hundreds of migrating birds flying north in the spring.
The Pensacola Bay Area is listed on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a network of 510 premier wildlife viewing sites. The trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The following locations listed in the Florida Birding Trail are currently closed to the public: Naval Air Station, Trout Point and Project Green Shores
Big Lagoon State Park is the Gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park enjoys visits from over 23 species of migratory birds. The park includes saltwater marshes, pine flatwoods, and shallow lagoons, providing perfect conditions for birding enthusiasts. Boardwalks, trails, and a birding tower allow visitors up-close access for birding.
Fort Pickens is located on the western tip of Santa Rosa Island and is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Birdwatchers can explore various coastal habitats, from sandy dunes to salt marshes, which provide opportunities to observe shorebirds, eagles, osprey, great blue herons, pelicans, and more.
Johnson Beach is on the eastern side of Perdido Key. The area sits between Big Lagoon and The Gulf of Mexico, making it perfect for observing coastal birds. Birdwatchers can explore a variety of coastal habitats, ranging from sandy dunes to salt marshes, which offer plenty of opportunities to spot shorebirds, eagles, osprey, great blue herons, pelicans, and more.
Pensacola Beach Pier is located on Casino Beach. The pier extends into the Gulf of Mexico by 1,471 feet, making it an excellent place for birding and viewing other wildlife. Birdwatchers often spot species like pelicans, terns, and gulls as they fish in the waters below or soar overhead.
Project Greenshores
Project Greenshores is an ecological restoration effort along the Pensacola Bay shoreline, recognized as part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. This project focuses on restoring coastal habitats, including salt marshes and oyster reefs, which are critical feeding and nesting grounds for various bird species. Several viewing sites include Wayside Park at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. If you venture west of the bridge across the street from the Veterans Memorial Park, you’ll find a boardwalk to the Hawkshaw Lagoon at Missing Children’s Memorial.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park protects over 4,000 acres of wet prairie, swamps, and bayous, offering a range of habitats for bird species. Birdwatchers can explore the park's trails and boardwalks to observe wildlife.
The Edward Ball Nature Trail at the University of West Florida winds through a lush forested area, featuring a boardwalk over Thompson's Bayou, where birders can observe various species, including woodpeckers, songbirds, and waterfowl.
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The Edward Ball Nature Trail at the University of West Florida winds through a lush forested area, featuring a boardwalk over Thompson's Bayou, where birders can observe various species, including woodpeckers, songbirds, and waterfowl.
Big Lagoon State Park is the Gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park enjoys visits from over 23 species of migratory birds. The park includes saltwater marshes, pine flatwoods, and shallow lagoons, providing perfect conditions for birding enthusiasts. Boardwalks, trails, and a birding tower allow visitors up-close access for birding.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park protects over 4,000 acres of wet prairie, swamps, and bayous, offering a range of habitats for bird species. Birdwatchers can explore the park's trails and boardwalks to observe wildlife.
Johnson Beach is on the eastern side of Perdido Key. The area sits between Big Lagoon and The Gulf of Mexico, making it perfect for observing coastal birds. Birdwatchers can explore a variety of coastal habitats, ranging from sandy dunes to salt marshes, which offer plenty of opportunities to spot shorebirds, eagles, osprey, great blue herons, pelicans, and more.
Fort Pickens is located on the western tip of Santa Rosa Island and is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Birdwatchers can explore various coastal habitats, from sandy dunes to salt marshes, which provide opportunities to observe shorebirds, eagles, osprey, great blue herons, pelicans, and more.
Project Greenshores
Project Greenshores is an ecological restoration effort along the Pensacola Bay shoreline, recognized as part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. This project focuses on restoring coastal habitats, including salt marshes and oyster reefs, which are critical feeding and nesting grounds for various bird species. Several viewing sites include Wayside Park at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. If you venture west of the bridge across the street from the Veterans Memorial Park, you’ll find a boardwalk to the Hawkshaw Lagoon at Missing Children’s Memorial.
Pensacola Beach Pier is located on Casino Beach. The pier extends into the Gulf of Mexico by 1,471 feet, making it an excellent place for birding and viewing other wildlife. Birdwatchers often spot species like pelicans, terns, and gulls as they fish in the waters below or soar overhead.
Grab your binoculars, your camera and open your eBird app because you’re in for a birding treasure hunt in the Pensacola Bay Area. If you consider yourself a birder – it’s time for you to discover our birding paradise.
In Pensacola, we’re lucky to be located under the superhighway for birds, the Atlantic Flyway that stretches 3,000 miles from the Caribbean to the Arctic tundra on which a kaleidoscope of amazing birds migrates to and from their wintering grounds. We’re the official gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail of which we boast 10 stops.
Adventure (noun) An exciting or very unusual experience; participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises. Experience the ultimate adventure in Pensacola. With rolling hills, bountiful bayous, lazy lagoons, natural national seashores and the emerald green waters of the Gulf, there’s a gamut of outdoor activities that are yours for the taking.
Spring is a thrilling time for birdwatching around Pensacola. As temperatures warm and the daylight hours grow longer, our resident birds feel the urge to nest. Male birds begin to sing to attract a mate, and each day starts with a beautiful dawn chorus.
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