Hatbill Park

The dirt road leading to Hatbill Park passes through the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, so watch the roadside for everything from songbird migrants such as Northern Waterthrush and Bobolink to resident species like Wild Turkey and Pileated Woodpecker. Hatbill Park itself is on the St. Johns River, providing an excellent view of hundreds of wading birds coming in to roost at sunset. White and Glossy Ibises, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets and Tricolored Herons all pass by in flocks, bound for roost sites in the estuary. Look for Crested Caracara flying by and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. In winter, rafts of Lesser Scaup and flocks of Tree Swallows are visible near sunset, and by bringing your own canoe or kayak, you can access the river from the park’s boat ramp (be aware that boating activity is high on weekends and airboats may be present). The site as an impressive eBird checklist; an Ash-throated Flycatcher was recorded in 2015. At dusk look and listen for Great Horned Owls and Chuck-will’s-widows.