You’ll be hard-pressed to find a beach without birds, and St. George Island is no exception. A small barrier island along the Florida Panhandle, St. George offers 28 miles of pristine beach and almost as much marsh, making it a veritable playground for a diverse array of wildlife and a top destination for nature enthusiasts.
Bird watching (“birding”) is a surprisingly large draw for the area, and bird watching enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds flock to the island each season to view some of our most precious residents.
Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or you’re simply intrigued by the prospect, check out our guide to St. George Island birding below, and start planning your ornithological adventure!
Birds You Can See on St. George Island
The ecosystem along Florida’s Forgotten Coast is quite diverse. The rich marshes where rivers meet the sea create a unique ecological playground for thousands of species—including more than 200 species of birds.
Here is a quick shortlist of the most popular and sought after bird species:
- Dowitchers, Sanderlings, Willets—shorebirds
- Egrets, Herons, Oystercatchers, Sandpipers, Ibis—waders
- Gulls
- Pelicans
- Hummingbirds
- Ducks
- Hawks
- Owls
Shorebirds and waders are two of the most common types of birds you’ll find along the island beaches and marshes.
Top Spots for Bird Watching on St. George Island
Where can you go to find birds on St. George Island? You won’t have to venture far to scope out a few top spots.
St. George Island State Park
Address: 1900 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328
Phone: (850) 927-2111
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-julian-g-bruce-st-george-island-state-park
Located on the east-end of the island, the St. George Island State Park boasts miles of untouched beaches and marshland, which provide the perfect post for birdwatching. The park itself supports more than 300 species of birds with peaks in the spring and fall for spotting seasonal favorites. Notable birds include orchard orioles, prairie warblers, snowy plover, indigo buntings, royal tern, and scarlet tanagers—to name just a few.
This bird watcher’s paradise draws ornithological enthusiasts from far and wide to enjoy regional beauties (and also perhaps the island life provided by the beautiful backdrop).
St. George Island Fishing Pier
Address: Big Bend Scenic Byway Coastal Trail, Eastpoint, FL 32328
A central, convenient stop on the island, the St. George Island Fishing Pier extends out into the bay-side of the Gulf of Mexico (between the island and the mainland). This is a great viewing option for bird watchers that also want to cast a line, as the pier makes a great fishing spot. Unsurprisingly, the pier is a great location to spot saltwater species, including royal tern, canvasback, red-breasted merganser, and bufflehead.
St. George Island Beaches and Marshes
Bird watching doesn’t have to be an ‘official’ affair. Simple walk out for a stroll along the beach or by the island marshes to spot various native birds in their natural habitat. As mentioned above, shorebirds and waders are two of the most common categories of birds you’ll encounter in these water-heavy environments.
Birding Spots Near St. George Island
If you’re looking for a little variety, venture off the island to one of these nearby birdwatching hot spots.
Wrights Lake Recreational Area (Apalachicola National Forest)
Address: FL-12, Sopchoppy, FL 32358
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/apalachicola
This seemingly arbitrary national forest is on our list for a reason—rare bird sightings that will excite even amateur bird watchers. Cross of bucket-list birds like bachman’s sparrow, red-cockaded woodpecker, and red-tailed hawks. Early summer is the best time of year to spot these rare beauties, though you’ll certainly find plenty of other charming chirps to keep you occupied during other seasons.
Bald Point State Park
Address: 146 Box Cut Rd, Alligator Point, FL 32346
Phone: (850) 349-9146
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bald-point-state-park
Another state park tops our list of top birdwatching spots, this time for a different reason. Bald Point enjoys a cozy location right along the Ochlockonee River, which supports a diverse array of both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Visitors can peruse everything from freshwater swamps and salt marshes to fresh lakes and beach dunes. Notable species to be on the watch for here include the black and white warbler, American redstart, yellow-throated vireo, and bobolink. Hit this hotspot early fall or late spring for the busiest bird seasons.
Sand Beach Road Observation Tower
Website: https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/apalachicola-river/
Situated inside the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area, the Sand Beach Observation Tower allows visitors to gain a totally new perspective. While most birdwatching is done from the ground, the tower provides an elevated and panoramic view of the landscape below. The tower is in the heart of an estuary environment, so expect to see spotted sandpipers, osprey, willet, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl in the spring, summer, and fall.
Old Carrabelle Beach
Head east to Old Carrabelle Beach for a fresh perspective and some of the most scenic beach walks along the Florida Gulf Coast (aside from St. George Island, of course!). The wide-open beach is a fairly off-the-beaten-path destination, which makes it a favorite site for migratory birds. Enjoy scenic walks and search for species like ruddy turnstone, short-billed dowitcher, black skimmers, marbled godwit, and sanderling. The beach is vibrant throughout the year, so we recommend a time of day instead—either an early sunset walk or late evening stroll.
Eastpoint Fishing Pier
Address: Eastpoint, FL 32328
Similar to the St. George Island Fishing Pier, this mainland counterpoint makes a great alternative if you’re looking to leave the island. You can expect the same great bay views and ocean species (gulls, loon, waterfowl etc.) as you’d see at the St. George Pier.
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 3100 County Rd 30A, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: (850) 653-8808
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/st_vincent/
An uninhabited island just west of St. George, St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge is a natural gem. Getting there takes a little extra effort, but trust us that the work is well worth the effort! To get to the island, drive to Apalachicola and take a 10-minute ferry ride over to the island. From there, you’re free to explore the winding beach trails that cover xx miles of the island. The island also supports five freshwater lakes, which add another layer to the wildlife diversity. Enjoy spotting everything from American white pelican, green heron, glossy ibis, and wood stork to great blue heron, American goldfinch, Carolina chickadee, and ruby-crowned kinglet.
St. George Island Birding Tips
- Be quiet, and avoid sudden movements. Birds are easily startled by noises and will flee to safety if you’re detected.
- Avoid brightly-colored clothing. Birds have poor color vision, but bright colors, like white, will contrast the surroundings and might scare them away. Instead, stick with soft, neutral colors to blend in with the backdrop.
- Be mindful of shorebirds that nest along the beach; do not approach or disturb any nests you may stumble upon during your exploration.
- Do not litter! Litter can be incredibly harmful to birds, fish, sea turtles, and other native wildlife. Please dispose of garbage properly and pick up any litter you see along the beach.
- If you see an injured bird (or any other injured species) do not try to rescue the animal yourself. Contact the local beach patrol, park ranger, or other local authority (not 911!). The same rule applies for abandoned nests or babies.
- There’s an app for that! While you don’t need many supplies to birdwatch, downloading a dedicated birding app can help you quickly find and identify native species.
