Kite Tales - The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Newsletter

August 2025 View this newsletter as a web page In this Issue... Discover Egans Creek Greenway: A Hidden Birding Paradise in Fernandina Beach Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area: Sunset Ranch Boardwalk Reopens!

Discover Egans Creek Greenway: A Hidden Birding Paradise in Fernandina Beach Wading birds at Egans Creek Greenway by Travis Blunden. Our staff recently explored this remarkable destination, and we're excited to share why it should be at the top of every birder's summer list. Nestled in Fernandina Beach, the Egans Creek Greenway is a hidden gem that delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you're just starting your birding journey or are a seasoned expert, this protected sanctuary offers excellent birding and wildlife watching opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels. A Haven for Avian Diversity The area spans over 300 acres along Egans Creek, running north to south through diverse coastal habitats, including a restored salt marsh. Of the over 200 species recorded on the area’s eBird hotspot, highlights include stunning Painted Buntings in summer and an impressive array of wading birds year-round, including herons, egrets, and Roseate Spoonbills. For the best wading bird viewing experience, plan your visit during low tide when these elegant birds are most active in the exposed mudflats and shallow waters. Keep your eyes peeled for the secretive Clapper Rails moving through the marsh grass, and don't forget to look up for Ospreys and eagles as they patrol the waterways. Left: Male Painted Bunting. Right: Clapper Rail. Photos by Travis Blunden. Wildlife Beyond the Birds The Greenway's surrounding ecosystem also supports an incredible variety of wildlife. Multitudes of marsh rabbits and the occasional white-tailed deer can be found along the path in the early morning hours, while alligators and turtles bask in the sun along the creek banks later in the day. The changing wildflowers and native plants throughout the seasons provide beautiful backdrops for both wildlife photography and peaceful nature observation. Deer (left) and a marsh rabbit (right) at Egans Creek Greenway. Photos by Travis Blunden. Exploring the Greenway A network of grass-covered roads and primitive trails creates a 4.8-mile trail system that's perfect for birding on foot or by bicycle. The best places to begin your adventure are the northern entrance behind the Atlantic Recreation Center (look for the pirate playground) or the middle access point on Jasmine Street. The relatively flat terrain is comfortable for birders of all ages and fitness levels. The Greenway offers convenient amenities including benches and interpretive displays throughout the trail system, restrooms at the recreation center, and educational signage to enhance your understanding of the ecosystem. Consider exploring Egans Creek by kayak for a different perspective on the wildlife of this tidal marsh. Bring your own or rent from local vendors. See the Egans Creek Greenway Brochure for a helpful map when planning your adventure, and consider checking out Fort Clinch State Park nearby. Low tide at Egans Creek by Travis Blunden. Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area: Sunset Ranch Boardwalk Reopens! A favorite Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail destination welcomes visitors back to its trail with a newly reconstructed boardwalk Exciting news for Central Florida birders and wildlife enthusiasts! Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area has officially reopened the Sunset Ranch Trail route following complete reconstruction of its boardwalk, enhancing access to one of the region's most biodiverse areas. The new boardwalk, built with durable composite materials and modern construction methods, ensures safe passage for visitors through a low-lying area while protecting the fragile surrounding habitat from erosion and human impact. Sunset Ranch One of five entrances to Three Lakes WMA, Sunset Ranch is a wonderful place to explore Florida’s natural wonders. Start birding from the parking lot and nearby bird blind and take the trails down to the observation area at Lake Marian. Sunset Ranch holds special significance for Bald Eagle conservation, as it sits within the highest concentration of bald eagle nests in the contiguous United States. More than 150 active nesting territories dot the inland lakes of Osceola and Polk counties, making eagle sightings a regular thrill for visitors. Plan your visit on the Three Lakes WMA website. A Birder's Paradise in the Heart of Florida Three Lakes WMA has earned its reputation as an exceptional destination to see both common and rare species. The diverse landscape features pristine lakes, expansive prairies, and pine flatwoods, creating a mosaic of habitats that supports an incredible variety of avian life. Keep an eye out for Crested Caracaras and familiar favorites including Red-shouldered Hawks. Sandhill Cranes, turkeys, Northern Bobwhites, and Eastern Meadowlarks are frequently heard calling across the prairies. The oak and pine habitats become particularly dynamic during migration periods when waves of songbirds pass through the area. Bald Eagle nest at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Photo by FWC. Encounter Imperiled Species Three Lakes WMA offers unique opportunities to observe some of Florida's most imperiled birds, making it a must-visit destination for serious birders and conservation enthusiasts. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers maintain active nest colonies in the area's pine forests. Look for pine trees marked with distinctive white paint bands near Canoe Creek Road. These mark the cavity trees where these remarkable birds nest. The best viewing times are at dawn and dusk when the woodpeckers are most active. Remember to maintain a respectful distance of at least 70-80 feet (about the length of a semi-trailer truck) from marked trees, especially during the critical April through July nesting season. Florida Grasshopper Sparrows represent one of birding's ultimate challenges and conservation success stories. This federally endangered species inhabits the Wildlife Management Area's dry prairie ecosystem, though their population remains critically low. Spotting scopes and binoculars are essential for observing these elusive birds, as any disturbance can significantly impact their delicate nesting and feeding behaviors. Wildlife Diversity The varied habitats at Three Lakes WMA support an impressive array of mammals and other wildlife. White-tailed deer, southern fox squirrels and armadillos are commonly spotted throughout the area, and gopher tortoises create their characteristic sandy burrows in the uplands. Butterfly enthusiasts will find Three Lakes particularly rewarding during fall months when populations peak across the prairies and woodland edges. The diverse plant communities support numerous species throughout their life cycles, but the spring and fall wildflower blooms are particularly spectacular at this Florida National Scenic Trail location. Conservation in Action The reconstruction of the Sunset Ranch Boardwalk represents more than just improved visitor access. It's a tangible example of balancing public enjoyment with habitat conservation. By providing a stable, low-impact pathway through sensitive areas, the new boardwalk allows visitors to experience this remarkable ecosystem while ensuring its protection for future generations. Side view of the newly reopened boardwalk. Photo by FWC.

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 500 sites throughout the state. The Trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The Trail is possible thanks to dozens of federal, state, and local government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private landowners.

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