Bird Watching on Cumberland Island

As a favorite stopping point on the transatlantic migratory flyway, over 335 species of birds have been recorded on Cumberland Island, including threatened and endangered species such as the Least Tern, Wilson’s Plover and American Oystercatcher. Pelican Banks, the southernmost point of the island is a favorite place for black skimmers, oystercatchers, pelicans, and numerous ducks and other shore birds. The fresh water pond areas provide excellent rookeries for wood storks, white ibis, herons and egrets. In the forest canopy, you can see warblers, buntings, wrens, and woodpeckers. On the shores, osprey, peregrine falcons, and occasionally bald eagles and golden eagles are spotted. Binoculars and a field guide offer a glimpse of some of the island’s beautiful inhabitants.