Calling All Winter Ornithologists!

Although it’s known as the Sunshine State, Florida could easily be known as the Water State. With 1,197 miles of coastline, 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, 663 miles of beaches, and 11,000 miles of rivers, streams, and waterways, water is a way of life here. And all that shoreline means a multitude of ecosystems and wildlife. Anastasia State Park is the perfect place to experience this amazing environmental habitat.
Anastasia State Park includes 1,600 acres of rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Explore up to four miles of pristine beach, the estuarine tidal marsh teeming with plant and animal life, or the self-guided nature trail which takes you through the maritime hammock and onto ancient sand dunes. You can also visit the Coquina Quarry, an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to help construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Anastasia State Park is located on The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so visitors will have the opportunity to observe numerous species of birds. Many shorebirds, such as laughing gulls, least terns, and black skimmers are found resting on our beach, or frolicking on the shore. Water birds such as the great blue heron, tricolor heron, wood stork and roseate spoonbills can be seen in the salt marsh along Salt Run. Osprey, bald eagles and owls can be seen flying high above or resting in the tree tops. Song birds love the maritime hammock within the park. You may even see warblers, cardinals, robins, woodpeckers or painted buntings.
In the month of January, Anastasia State Park is hosting 2 wonderful wildlife events….
Bird Walk
Sunday, January 8, 2017; 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Hosted monthly by wilderness volunteers such as Sue Killeen, the bird walk will meet at the Island Beach Grill, at the end of the park road and wander through the park. With the migratory bird season in full swing, there should be a beautiful selection of species to discover. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on asphalt, sand, and hammock.
Walk on the Wild Side
Saturday, January 21, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Take a stroll with Volunteer Jim Gleason and discover the park’s Wild Side. This walking class consists of multiple paths and wildlife viewing areas, combined with Jim’s extensive knowledge of Florida Ecosystems and Wildlife. It is one of Anastasia’s most popular events and offered a few times a year in the winter months only, so take advantage of this wild experience while you can! Wear comfortable shoes for walking on asphalt, sand, and hammock.
These events are free, but there is an admission fee to enter the park.
$8.00 per multi-passenger car
$4.00 per single-occupant card
$2 if you ride one of our bikes over!
For more information on Anastasia State Park, please click here.