At the northernmost point on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, separated from Georgia by the St. Marys 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.

Dress warmly. Meeting Place: The entrance to the Pier. 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 Hecksher Drive: At the Ferry the road becomes AIA North. Just follow AIA signs.