While there's much wildlife all along the state's intricate shores, the sparsely populated Big Bend region stands out as a prime destination for experiencing a plethora of wildlife, including a shifting array of birds. If you crave wilderness, head for St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge , a 12,000 acre, uninhabited island. You can explore lakes, marshes, dunes, and pine and hardwood communities protecting to unique sub-tropical understory species. Great egrets, snowy egrets, tri-colored herons, and little blue herons nest in the island rookeries. Snowy plovers and American oystercatchers nest on the beaches.
Wood storks stop for nourishment.
Seaside sparrows nest in huge numbers and neotropical birds stop for food and shelter during spring and fall migrations. You can actually drive to St. Marks NWR , as well as walk there on the Florida Scenic trail. This is a great spot for wintering waterfowl include green-winged teal, redhead, scaup, coot, pintail, and bufflehead. Numerous shorebird species arrive during migrations. Both bald eagles and opreys maintain a number of nests.