Buck Lake Conservation Area: West Trailhead

Birding this wild property is particularly rewarding if you invest time and energy in hiking or biking its extensive uplands. This property is large and wild, so be sure to pick up a map ahead of time or at the kiosks, and take water along on your hike. The western trailhead of Buck Lake Conservation area is accessed from State Road 46 approximately 6 miles west of the East Trailhead access. This site contains a large floodplain marsh with sand flats (salt pans), home to Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, White Ibis and Limpkin. When water levels are low Roseate Spoonbills and Black-necked Stilts may be present. An observation tower 2 miles from the west trailhead provides an excellent view of Buck Lake. Look for resident Mottled Ducks, Common Gallinules and Anhingas. King Rails are possible, early mornings or evenings are best. Keep an eye out for Bald Eagles soaring overhead and wintering Sedge Wrens and Gray Catbirds in the lakeside grasses and shrubs. Portions of the trails may be flooded after periods of heavy rain. Seasonal hunting occurs in this area, please click here for dates, regulations and more information.