Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

This state park stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Matanzas River. During the winter check the coquina rock beachfront for Ruddy Turnstones; the surf for Common Loons and Black Scoters; and offshore, for Northern Gannets. The beach is also a good place to view Peregrine Falcon migration from the end of September to the beginning of October. Explore the riverside property: after passing the entrance gate, the road curves to the south. At this curve, a trail takes off to the north, bound for scrub and xeric hammock where White-eyed Vireos and Eastern Towhees are common. Following the road to the south will take you past the ornamental gardens through oak hammocks. Bird the road for songbird migrants such as Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting in spring and fall, or explore the hammock trail from the last picnic area north to the visitor center. Part of the cultivated waterfront can be good for Spotted Sandpipers, and gives a good vantage of exposed sand spits in the river where flocks of terns and gulls congregate to loaf and feed. In spring and fall, wander through the gardens to see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks as well as a good variety of butterflies. Flagler Audubon offers bird walks at the park, call ahead or ask at the entrance gate for more information.