Lakeshor
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Klapp-Phipps
ParkTa l l a ha s s e e10N.
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Miller L
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Maclay Rd
Alfred B. Maclay
Gardens State Park
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2000 ft500 m
Timberlane Rd
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is one
of my favorite birding
destinations in north Florida. It
offers 10 miles of shared-use
trails, which wind through a
variety of interesting habitats. My
typical loop takes me through
restored longleaf pine f latwoods,
where Bachman’s Sparrows and
Summer Tanagers can be heard
singing in spring, down a gentle
slope past expansive live oaks,
and into lush deciduous forests
traversed by several small creeks
wending their way to the shore of
Lake Jackson, one of the biggest
lakes in the area. I’ve spent many
cool fall mornings hiking the
trails along these creeks in search of migrant songbirds, which can be found
here in good numbers. No fewer than 33 species of warbler have been
observed here, including annual occurrences of Cerulean, Golden-winged,
Canada, and Bay-breasted.
An expansive field at the shore of Lake Jackson can be good for sparrows
in winter and is home to many Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings spring
through fall. Limpkins can occasionally be heard calling from the shoreline,
and Sedge Wrens winter in the reeds by the water’s edge. On a typical
two-hour hike in winter, I’ll find between 40 and 50 species at the park.
Butterf ly viewing is also good here in summer and fall. — Jeff O’Connell
Jeff O’Connell is the field trip leader for the Apalachee Audubon Society.
AT A GLANCE
HABITAT
Pine flatwoods, deciduous forest, lakeshore.
TERRAIN
Wide and mostly level dirt and grass trails.
Some gradual inclines. Several good loop trails
between 1 and 2.5 miles long.
BIRDS
Over 190 species. Northern Bobwhite, Red-
shouldered Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker,
Barred and Great Horned Owls, Eastern Wood-
Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Great Crested
Flycatcher, White-eyed, Yellow-throated, and
Red-eyed Vireos, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted
Titmouse, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Carolina
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Common
Yellowthroat, Pine, Yellow-throated, Palm,
and Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-throated
and Bachman’s Sparrows, Eastern Towhee,
Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Blue
Grosbeak, and Indigo Bunting.
WHEN TO GO
Year-round, but especially good in fall and
winter. Best in the morning. Fall mornings after
a cold front has moved through can yield high
numbers of migrant songbirds.
AMENITIES
Restrooms available at the soccer field
complex. Well-maintained trails with several
short boardwalks and bridges over streams.
Small observation platform looking over the
shore of Lake Jackson at western end of the
park. Food and drink not available but many
restaurants within a short drive.
ACCESS
City park. No entrance fee, and free parking.
Open all day and night year-round.
TIPS
Mosquitoes a nuisance in wetter areas of park
in fall. Park hosts several annual athletic events
that bring in many people. Best to go on a non-
event weekend or during the week.
FOR MORE INFO
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, http://www.talgov.com/
parks/parks-phipps.aspx. Apalachee Audubon
Society, http://www.apalachee.org.
sites nearby
Tall Timbers Research Station
14 miles north of park on Henry
Beadel Rd. Great for woodpeckers,
including Red-cockaded and Red-
headed. White-breasted and Brown-
headed Nuthatches common. Views
from a window of feeders and a
pond. Good for sparrows in winter.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
Across Meridian Rd. from park.
Picturesque gardens, plenty of good
hiking trails, and a lakeside picnic
area.
no.
293
H
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Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park covers more than 670 acres east of Lake Jackson. From I-10,
take FL-61N/Thomasville Rd. half a mile to Timberlane Rd. Turn left on Timberlane, and
after 1.7 miles, turn right on N. Meridian Rd. Go 2.1 miles, turn left on Miler Landing Rd.,
and turn into one of three parking areas for the park.
http://www.BirdWatchingDaily.com/hotspotsmap
50
elinor klapp-phipps park
tallahassee, florida
30°32'9.99"N 84°17'49.66"W