One perk of living at Amelia National Golf & Country Club is the surrounding natural environs and outdoor recreation.
Tucked on Florida’s northeast coast, Amelia National — one of ICI Homes’ signature properties — offers near-instant access to some of the state’s top outdoorsy pursuits.
One of those is birding. The state’s Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail offers a game plan for spotting all sorts of feathered friends, which Amelia National residents can do thanks to their community’s proximity to its hometown of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island.
While both offer multiple stops on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, excellent birding opportunities also exist in Amelia National backyards, and beautiful natural spaces near this master-planned community’s waterways, woodlands and its Tom Fazio-designed golf course.
And, once you’re ready, branch out to these birding hot spots near Amelia National.
Amelia Island State Park
At the island’s southern tip, Amelia National residents can roam more than 200 acres of protected beaches, coastal forests and marshes in search of different birds.
It’s always fun to spot pelicans poaching fishing bait, seagulls cawing for snacks, spunky sandpipers, elegant egrets and herons of all shapes and sizes, and soaring raptors.
Note that entrance fees apply.
Located at 9550 1st Coast Highway, south of Fernandina Beach.
Egans Creek Greenway
Next door to downtown Fernandina Beach and a world away.
Overseen by the city’s planning and conservation department, Egans Creek Greenway encompasses more than 300 acres of protected land along Ron Sapp Egans Creek. Miles of grassy trails offer undisturbed vistas for hikers and cyclists and, naturally, many bird species.Admission is free. Multiple access points include behind the Atlantic Recreation Center (offers parking) at 2500 Atlantic Avenue, two entrances off Jasmine Street between Citrona Drive and Fletcher Avenue, from Citrona Drive via Beech Street and Hickory Street extensions, and the Residence Inn at 2301 Sadler Road.
Fort Clinch State Park
The historic landmark that keeps on giving. Fort Clinch, which dates to the mid-19th century, anchors this 1,400-acre site just north of Fernandina Beach, and is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Enjoy the historic fort on one visit, cycle miles of trails on another, and gawk at and photograph scores of bird species that flock along its shores, marshes and forests.
Note that entrance fees apply.
Located at 2601 Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach.
Spoonbill Pond at Big Talbot Island State Park
Also on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and renowned for spectacular birding, particularly rare and endangered species.
Big Talbot Island State Park is mostly wilderness with some visitor amenities, but for birders, the highlight is Spoonbill Pond, a large water feature on the Atlantic side of A1A (Florida’s Atlantic coast highway). It’s a prime spot to see the pond’s distinctive, pink spoonbills in action.
Located just south of Amelia Island State Park, across from Nassau Sound. The official address is Residence Court, Jacksonville.
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