Haw Creek Preserve at Russell Landing

Birders will appreciate this property’s unique, elevated boardwalk for up-close viewing of the canopy in this bottomland hardwood forest. Seasonal changes in rainfall mean the ground beneath the boardwalk can be dry or underwater, changing the composition of species you’ll see along the way. A number of woodpecker species can be found throughout the year; watch for Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers carving rows of parallel sap wells in tree trunks in winter. Prothonotary Warblers nest in tree cavities along the cypress-laden creek margin. During migration, mixed flocks of wood-warblers move through the property; Swallow-tailed Kites patrol overhead in spring and summer. Follow one of the many boardwalk spurs to the blackwater Haw Creek to search for Limpkins. Or, launch your canoe or kayak and paddle the mayhaw tree-lined creek for views of Anhingas, Great Blue Herons and alligators. The fallow field at the end of the boardwalk can be good for sparrows and raptors. The dirt roads leading to this site are passable for most vehicles; four-wheel drive is unnecessary except in periods of extreme rain.