FIELD TRIP: Wakodahatchee and Green Cay Wetlands

Date: Monday, 17 March 2025

Location: Wakodahatchee and Green Cay Wetlands at Jog Road and Hagen Ranch roads, Delray Beach

Leader Names: Becky and Bill Loftus

Trip/area Description: Wakodahatchee and Green Cay Wetlands (Jog Road and Hagen Ranch roads, Delray Beach) – Guides Bill and Becky Loftus will lead a tour of these created wetlands that serve to clean wastewater from Palm Beach County Water Utilities treatment facilities. These are two of the best birding spots in Florida at which to observe and photograph wetland birds. The ponds at Wakodahatchee host a wonderful variety of wildlife including fishes, turtles, alligators and many bird species (> 140 bird species of birds have been recorded). We’ll observe waterfowl, herons, egrets, Anhingas and cormorants in the ponds; grassy marshes will have wading birds, rails, coots and gallinules. Willow islands and dead trees are used for nesting and roosting while the cypress forests are used by warblers, woodpeckers, and other birds. The three-quarter mile, handicapped-accessible boardwalk provides easy viewing. Springtime is the best time to see and photograph at close range Wood Storks, Great Blue Herons, Tri-colored Herons, Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Anhingas and Double-crested Cormorants on nests caring for eggs and feeding nestlings. During winter, particularly on weekends, the limited parking area fills quickly so it is best to arrive early. (https://discover.pbc.gov/waterutilities/Pages/Wetlands.aspx)

Nearby Green Cay has 100 acres of treatment marshes, ponds and cypress wetlands, along with hardwood hammock and pine uplands. The 1.5 miles of elevated, handicapped-accessible boardwalk offers close-up viewing of the wetland and waterbirds. The wetlands are home to hundreds of individuals of wetland and wading birds and waterfowl, especially in winter and spring. The marshes and shallow ponds are great places to observe Soras, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Storks and most herons and egrets, Purple Gallinules, and many others. Birds in the hammocks and cypress forests include warblers, woodpeckers, Red-shouldered Hawks, Screech Owls, and others. Several Purple Martin houses over the open ponds are active in late winter through spring. Green Cay Nature Center is air-conditioned with interpretive exhibits, a gift shop and restrooms. Bird feeders in the hammock outside the center attract a variety of upland birds, including Painted Buntings. There is also a butterfly garden nearby. (https://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Pages/GreenCay.aspx)

Duration of trip in hours: 10 hours

Walking distance: 4 miles

Degree of difficulty, and any special instructions: Easy walking on boardwalks and firm trails. Bring sun protection, drinking water and snacks. Participants can buy lunch at a local deli.

Where you’d like participants to meet: IHOP parking area at 8800 20th Street in Vero Beach.

Time of meeting: 6:00 a.m. for 1.5-hour drive to Delray Beach.

Number of participants limit: 15 people.

Host or Publisher Pelican Island Audubon Society