Wildlife
Betsy Purdum
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Active wildlife management practices combined with a diversity of natural
communities make Guana River WMA an excellent place to view wildlife,
especially birds. During April and October, especially with a west wind
or after a cold front, this is the best place in northeast Florida to
see peregrine falcons. Nearly 3000-4000 migratory ducks, American coots,
common moorhens, common gallinules, and pied-billed grebes winter at
Guana Lake. White pelicans (January and February), ospreys, and bald
eagles often fish at the impounded lake. When water levels are low,
look for black-necked stilts, yellowlegs, dowitchers, and other shore
birds at the lake’s north end. At Big Savannah and other ponds,
especially in May through September, you are likely to see wood storks,
roseate spoonbills, and white and glossy ibis. The Guana Dam and the
tower on Hammock Road are excellent spots to photograph and observe
birds.
