St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park (Main Entrance)

With 60 miles of trails to wander, and habitats such as longleaf pine forest, scrub, cypress domes, sandhills and strand swamp, there’s plenty of birding and wildlife viewing excitement at this site. Start at the visitor center in Brevard County which is located at the main entrance on Buffer Preserve Dr. Pick up a map and a bird list, and check the brief interpretive trail. There are Florida Scrub-jays in the Northwest parcel of the preserve, ask the ranger on duty at the main entrance for directions. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers can be seen on the northeast side of the preserve. For a chance to see this federally endangered woodpecker head east on Buffer Preserve Dr. park at the equestrian trailhead and hike the yellow trail. You will also have the chance to listen for and see Bachman’s Sparrow, Eastern Towhee and Brown-headed Nuthatch on this hike. If you wish to see Manatees head to the C-54 canal overlook located east of the equestrian trailhead.