Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area

This site lies between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers and features hardwood river swamps, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and improved pastures punctuated with small depression ponds.  Over 120 bird species have been recorded including Limpkin, Barn Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Purple Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Least Bittern, Eastern Bluebird and Eastern Meadowlark. During the hunting seasons (January, March, and September through December), visitors can drive into the area, providing opportunity to search for wintering sparrows such as Chipping, Field, Henslow’s, Savannah, Swamp, and Song; Bachman’s Sparrows are present year round. Winter ducks such as Hooded Merganser may be present on Rodman Reservoir and the Cross Florida Barge Canal in winter. From March to August, Swallow-tailed Kites can be found flying along the creek or catching dragonflies over the pastures. There are three hiking loops that lead through a hammock where you can watch for songbird migrants in spring and fall. If your visit falls outside of hunting season (April to August), the entrance to the property is approx. 2 miles south of the check station entrance on the east side of the road. You may also enter through the man gate at the main entrance. As mentioned, seasonal hunting takes place on select days at this site, please click here for more information.  Click here for the bird checklist.  Click here for the trail guide.