FIELD TRIP: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Date: Saturday, February 8th 2025

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Leader Name: Will Johnson
Trip/Area Description, with any special characteristics: On this field trip we will explore the remarkable birdlife found at Pelican Island by traversing the refuge’s many habitat types. Our trip will begin with searching for wintering songbirds in the vegetation around the parking area and along the Centennial Trail and progress to scanning the Centennial Pond and Joe’s Overlook for wading birds, waterfowl, shorebirds and other water birds. Conditions permitting, wintertime trips to Pelican Island readily yield 50+ species including such Florida specialties as Painted Bunting and Roseate Spoonbill. Birders of all experience levels are welcome on this trip.

Duration of trip in hours: 2.5 hours
Walking distance: 2 miles roundtrip from the Centennial Trailhead out to Joe Michael’s Overlook and back

Degree of difficulty, and any special instructions: Flat walk on unpaved and occasionally uneven path. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended.

Where you’d like participants to meet: Centennial Trailhead at the Pelican Island parking area

Time of meeting: 7:15 am

Number of participants limit: 20

Host or Publisher Pelican Island Audubon Society