Bird watchers, you are missing out if you haven’t visited Mexico Beach! This picturesque region, known for its stunning coastal landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offers an array of birdwatching hotspots.
From tranquil lakes to lush nature trails, each site provides a unique opportunity to observe various bird species in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, this guide to one of the best things to do in Mexico Beach, FL, will help you navigate the best locations for an unforgettable birdwatching experience near Mexico Beach. Now, let’s see where you can find the best Florida bird-watching!
Where to See Birds
After choosing the best vacation rentals in Mexico Beach, Florida, it is time to bird-watch! Here are some of the best locations and what birds you can expect to see.
Lynn Haven Sports Complex and Nature Trail
Contrary to what one might expect from a sports complex, this location offers rich birdwatching opportunities. The adjacent lake is a hotspot for wintering ducks such as ring-necked and lesser scaup. Explore the trail east of the lake and the boardwalk through a small bayhead, where you may encounter flocks of migrants in October and April.
The brushy areas around the lake are ideal for spotting wintering sparrows. The site has also been a winter home for vermilion flycatchers in recent years.
St. Andrews Bird Trail/Oak By the Bay Park
Ideal for beginners, this marina features a waterfront boardwalk with educational signs about common birds like double-crested cormorants, brown pelicans, herons, and egrets. The boardwalk leads to Oaks By the Bay Park, which attracts wood-warblers in spring and fall.
The beachfront and bay areas are good for spotting shorebirds like greater yellowlegs and dunlin, as well as sandwich terns, lesser scaup, and common loons in winter.
St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve
This diverse coastal site encompasses pine flatwoods, freshwater swamps, marshes, scrub, grasslands, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. It offers over 24 miles of dirt roads and multi-use trails. The preserve is home to various birds, including osprey, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, black scoters, and common loons.
Bird enthusiasts can also spot brown-headed nuthatches, yellow-breasted chat, and Bachman’s sparrow, especially during breeding seasons. With 37 species of warblers recorded, spring and fall are particularly good times to visit. Butterfly enthusiasts will also find species like common wood-nymph, variegated fritillary, and gray hairstreak.
Plan Your Stay
With Forgotten Coast, your vacation becomes more than just a getaway – it becomes an unforgettable experience tailored to your desires and needs. Why wait? Book your next bird watching vacation today!
Types of Birds You’ll See
In the Mexico Beach area, birdwatchers can expect to see a wide range of species. Wintering ducks, such as ring-necked and lesser scaup, are common near lakes and bays. Shorebirds like greater yellowlegs, dunlin, sandwich terns, and common loons are often found along the coast.
The area’s diverse habitats support a variety of raptors, including osprey, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks, as well as songbirds like the brown-headed nuthatch, yellow-breasted chat, and Bachman’s sparrow. Warblers are plentiful, with 37 species recorded, making spring and fall ideal times for birdwatching.
Where to Stay
Forgotten Coast Property Management & Rentals offers the best Mexico Beach vacation rentals for birdwatching enthusiasts. We provide rental options in Cape San Blas, Indian Pass Beach, St Joe Beach, Beacon Hill, and Mexico Beach. If you’re looking to travel with your furry friends, we also have a fantastic selection of pet-friendly rentals in Mexico Beach!
Cape San Blas is notable for its duned beaches and St. Joseph State Park, which is ideal for camping and water activities. Indian Pass Beach offers unique experiences like horseback riding and beach driving with a permit. Our rentals our located near countless fun things to do and restaurants in Mexico Beach.
Mexico Beach, St Joe Beach, and Beacon Hill are known for their pristine white Gulf beaches, perfect for beach activities and deep-sea fishing. These locations offer comfortable stays and easy access to nature trails and prime birdwatching spots. Why wait? Book your next birdwatching vacation today!
