Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

From the parking lot, hike the trail west through flatwoods, listening for the “squeaky toy” call of Brown-headed Nuthatches, the wavering trills of Pine Warblers and the harsh, squawking sounds of Yellow-breasted Chats (early morning and late evening is best time for chats). For a shorter hike, veer left at the fork. The paved trail leads to a boardwalk through a titi forest (White-eyed Vireos nest), which emerges on the sheltered bayou. Scan the reeds for Clapper Rails and Tricolored Herons. For a longer hike, veer right at the fork, following the trail along the bayou’s far side, past a rare pitcher plant bog, to the end on Perdido Bay. Across the street from the parking lot, upland sandhill habitats host Common Ground-Doves year-round, and Common Nighthawks show off on late spring/summer evenings. Bring water and expect mosquitoes in warmer months.