At the northernmost point on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, separated from Georgia by the St. Mary’s River, lies Fort Clinch State Park, the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail’s northernmost gateway. This “must-see” park allows visitors to sample a wide spectrum of Florida’s bird species and habitats – from migratory songbirds in maritime forests, to salt marshes teeming with rails and wading birds, to beach and ocean with shorebirds and seabirds galore. The jetty is famous as a Purple Sandpiper hangout in winter. From the beach or pier, seabirds, Common Eider and all three scoter species can sometimes be observed offshore in winter. Target birds include Red-breasted Merganser, 2 species of Loons (Common & Red-breasted), Northern Gannet, Bonaparte’s Gull, Harlequin Duck, and other gulls, terns and sandpipers.

After the Pier we will proceed to the Main Beach in Fernandina to see and photograph Black Skimmers at close range ( if they are there). They cruise the island from Fort Clinch to Main Beach to Peter's Point and to Sliders. We can also scan the Egan's Creek Marsh north of Atlantic Blvd. for birds. Dress warmly.

Meet at the entrance to the Pier. Fee of $6 per vehicle (2-8 people) $4 single occupant vehicle or use an Annual State Park Pass.

Directions: From I-95 take Fernandina Beach, AIA exit east. Cross over Intracoastal Waterway following AIA and Fort Clinch signs. After crossing the bridge, it is approximately 5 miles. Directions from Heckscher Drive: At the Ferry the road becomes AIA North. Just follow AIA signs.