Jacksonville and St Simons Island

Florida/Georgia

Spanning Northeast Florida and coastal Georgia, this region sits at the confluence of major migratory flyways along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. The area features pristine barrier islands, maritime forests, and productive estuaries including the Altamaha River Delta, designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve. Over 300 species frequent these coastal habitats, including breeding Painted Buntings and large Wood Stork colonies.

Best Months to Visit

September to May

Birding Season

Year-round

Notable Species

Painted Bunting Wood Stork Red Knot Roseate Spoonbill Wilson's Plover Swallow-tailed Kite

Top Birding Guides in Jacksonville and St Simons Island

Browse our selection of expert birding guides serving the Jacksonville and St Simons Island area.

Thomas Rohtsalu - Jacksonville Bird Guide

5.0

Experienced birder who started birding in Estonia in the 1980s and has been guiding in Jacksonville since 2009. Offers highly productive full-day and half-day tours throughout Northeast Florida with exceptional local knowledge of Jacksonville area hotspots. Known for helping clients see 60-90 species in a single day, including numerous life birds. Provides flexible service including transportation.

Northeast Florida specialties Migration Shorebirds

40 years of experience

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The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

5.0

Private barrier island lodge offering all-inclusive naturalist-led birding experiences on a 10,000-acre preserved island in the Altamaha River Delta, designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve and Important Bird Area. Expert naturalists lead twice-daily guided adventures to pristine beaches, maritime forests, and productive estuaries where over 280 bird species have been recorded. Special Birding Days feature guest ornithologists.

Painted Bunting Coastal specialties Shorebird migration

25 years of experience

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Naturalist Journeys - Georgia Coastal

4.9

Professional birding tour company offering expertly guided multi-day tours along Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Small-group tours (8-13 participants) include accommodations at Little St. Simons Island and visits to prime coastal birding locations. Tours led by experienced naturalist guides with comprehensive knowledge of Georgia's coastal avifauna and natural history.

Coastal Georgia Multi-day tours Colonial Coast Trail

15 years of experience

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Coastal Outdoor Adventures

4.8

St. Simons Island-based outfitter specializing in boat-based birding tours through coastal Georgia marshes and waterways. Captain Brooks Good brings over 35 years of experience fishing and exploring the coastal waters of the Golden Isles, with a background in marine science and wildlife biology. Offers 3-4 hour birding tours for groups up to 24 people, providing unique perspectives on shorebirds, wading birds, seabirds, and waterfowl in the productive Altamaha River basin and Golden Isles estuaries.

Boat-based birding Coastal wetlands Shorebirds

35 years of experience

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Amelia Island Nature Center

4.7

Professional nature center at Omni Amelia Island Resort offering guided birding tours and educational programs open to the public. Established in 1997, expert naturalists with backgrounds in biology, ecotourism and environmental studies lead birding excursions via golf cart, kayak, and guided nature walks across Amelia Island's diverse habitats. Located at the confluence of Atlantic and Appalachian Flyways where over 300 bird species have been recorded. Tours suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Amelia Island Educational programs Family-friendly

28 years of experience

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