Birding on Amelia Island

Amelia Island is situated at the confluence of the Atlantic and Appalachian Flyways. More than 300 species of birds pass through the Island or breed here. The Bird Club was started in 1990 by Carol Wyatt and Earl Colburn in order to observe birds that migrate, reside in or nest in or near the Island. The original name of the Club was the Nassau County Bird Club. In 2016 Bill George took over the reins from Carol Wyatt and continues to head up the Club.

The Club’s primary purpose is to watch birds during monthly field trips from September through May. There are no club officers or dues, and members register by email and are notified about upcoming trips. Anyone is welcome to attend a field trip. Please refer to the scheduled trips on the website; to receive notice and details of each trip send your name and email with a request to be a member to Bill George at [email protected].

Typically the Club birds locations on or within an hour’s drive of the Island. Four locations make the top 100 Florida eBird hotspots: Fort Clinch with 246 species; Big Talbot State Park/Spoonbill Pond with 221 species; Little Talbot State Park with 233 species; and Huguenot Memorial Park with 257 species. The Club birds these 4 hotspots annually as well as 2 0r 3 trips with Duval Audubon to top destinations such as Sweetwater Wetlands and Okefenokee Swamp.  The following spots on the Island are also typically birded each year:  Egan’s Greenway, Main Beach and the Plantation. The Great Florida Birding Trail lists 12 locations for birding in the Gannet cluster that includes Amelia Island. Consider adding your name as a club member to see species such as the Painted Bunting, Roseate Spoonbill, Black Skimmer and Wood Stork, and to learn more about the great birding spots on or near Amelia Island.