Field trip to Spoonbill Pond with Bill McNee

Join Bill McNee for a field trip to Spoonbill Pond, the informal name for the pond directly across from the Big Talbot Island SP parking lot just prior to the George Grady bridge on A1A. The viewing from the boardwalk across the road from the parking lot makes it very easy to see a great diversity of shorebirds, wading birds, rails, pelicans, raptors, and waterfowl. As the name implies, Roseate Spoonbills are regularly sighted at the pond – as are American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt.

If you can arrive 30-45 minutes early, join us in search of Salt Marsh, Nelson’s and Seaside Sparrows near the boat ramp and around the rocks leading to the Sawpit Creek (behind the parking lot), as the high tide will be coming in that day when we arrive, and will hopefully make them more visible.

After visiting the boardwalk, we’ll also scan the trees and bushes surrounding the parking lot for songbirds, woodpeckers, and doves. In the past, we’ve spotted several species of warbler, and the occasional kinglet, titmouse, and cardinal.

In addition to bringing your bins, grab your spotting scope if you have one. If you are a photographer, the boardwalk is a terrific spot to capture the birds up close.

If you would like, check out the list of birds that are often seen at this time of year on eBird:https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1125706

Directions: "Spoonbill Pond" is located at the northern most part of Big Talbot Island State Park, just prior to the George Crady bridge as you travel north on Hecksher Drive (FL A1A). Use the parking lot for the boat ramp at 15500 Buccaneer Trail, Jacksonville, FL. We will meet just inside the parking area.

While there is no park ranger stationed at this entrance, exact change ($2) is required to park – since you must put your money in an envelope and then into the lock box. Please find a parking slot for smaller cars, as the parking lot is mostly used by boaters with trailers. Restroom facilities are available at this location.

We encourage you to consider joining the St. Johns Regional Audubon. You can join for as little as $15/year, which can help us continue and expand our work. To join, follow this link: https://stjohnsaudubon.com/membership/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Big Talbot Island State Park, Florida A1A, Jacksonville, United States