BIRDING AT LAKE TOWER

A great viewing option, with particular species attracted when the rose mallow blooms in June and July. There are two towers located within the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) adjacent to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve.

The Lake Tower Birding Experience

The Trails in the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Research Reserve and the adjacent Guana River WMA  allow birders easy access and are accented by two observation towers. The Capo Creek Observation tower provides breathtaking views of salt marshes along Capo Creek (a tidal creek feeding into the Tolomato River.) The Guana Lake Observation Tower also provides scenic views. Use the Purple Trail, Red Trail and Blue Trail in the GTM Reserve and loop onto a trail in the Guana River WMA to find the towers.

The tower on Hammock Road is an excellent spot to photograph and observe birds

When you are visiting, you can help ensure limited environmental impacts by being a “Sustainable PVB Guest” – keep these recommendations in mind.

  • Keep the “natural” in “natural areas” by packing out what you pack in.
  • Let birds and animals eat their natural foods.  Animals may become conditioned to handouts, eventually losing their fear of people and/or vehicles.
  • Support the regional Riverkeeper by purchasing products featuring a Kingfisher bird at stjohnsriverkeper.org.

Details

Experience: View Birds from the Towers in the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve.

Address: 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset

Website: https://gtmnerr.org/

Other Information: Visit the Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center to learn more about the area.

Tips From The Experts

  1. Take a Deep Breath and climb the tower—the view is worth the effort!
  2. Keep hydrated—the wait for the perfect birding sight can be lengthy and a drink from your reusable water bottle can help ameliorate the wait.
  3. Save the tunes for later—the distraction of music can make the birds avoid you—listen to nature while you wait.
  4.