Celery Fields birding guide

Sarasota County's top birding spot: marsh boardwalks, wintering ducks, rails and raptors, and a free Audubon nature center.

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Quick facts

Where: 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240 (East Sarasota (I-75 Exit 210), Sarasota County)
Hours: Celery Fields: 6 a.m. to sunset daily. Nature Center (999 Center Rd): Oct 2 to Nov 1, Fri to Sun 9 a.m. to noon; closed Nov 1 to 5 as an election polling site; Nov 6 to Dec 31, daily 9 a.m. to noon.
Fees: Free (Celery Fields, Nature Center, Ackerman Park and boardwalks).
Best time: Early morning. From November through April, volunteer Bird Naturalists are at the Palmer Blvd and Raymond Rd boardwalks, officially 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Overview

The Celery Fields is Sarasota County's regional stormwater area for the Phillippi Creek basin, built on a former celery farm the county bought in 1995. Sarasota Audubon's survey team has tallied 252 bird species here since 2001, and the Florida Birding Trail calls it one of the premier hotspots on the southwest coast.

More than 10 miles of trails run along ponds and wetlands, two boardwalks (Palmer Blvd and Raymond Rd) reach into the marsh, and trails climb an observation hill. The Sarasota Audubon Nature Center sits at the base of the hill. In October 2026 Sarasota Audubon opened the first re-wilded "Quad" parcel (the SE Quad) to the public.

Birds to expect by season

Late October and November

Winter ducks start showing up on the ponds, and Osprey and Bald Eagle nest near the fields from November through March. From November 1, Sarasota Audubon Bird Naturalists staff both boardwalks most mornings, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Ring-necked Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Lesser Scaup
Northern Shoveler
Hooded Merganser
Sora
Virginia Rail
Wilson's Snipe
American Bittern
Northern Harrier
American Kestrel
Bald Eagle
Osprey

Year-round regulars

Roseate Spoonbill
Wood Stork
Sandhill Crane
Limpkin
Purple Gallinule
Glossy Ibis
Anhinga
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-shouldered Hawk
Crested Caracara

Spring and summer

April to mid-May, Bobolink may visit the unmowed slopes of the observation hill.

Where to park

Park in the county lot off Palmer Blvd (6893 Palmer Blvd). From I-75 Exit 210, go east on Fruitville Rd, right at Lakewood Ranch Blvd, right at the traffic circle onto Apex Rd, then left onto Palmer Blvd; the lot is about 0.3 mile on the left. Restrooms are in a separate building west of the county lot.

Trails and viewing spots

Palmer Blvd boardwalk, next to the main lot.
Raymond Rd boardwalk, on the other side of the fields.
Observation hill, for long views over the marsh and fields.
Ackerman Park (400 Apex Rd) on the west edge, for wintering ducks and night-herons. A scope helps.

Tips

Stop at the Nature Center first: docents keep maps and current sightings.
Only dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed.
Check Sarasota Audubon's calendar for free guided Celery Fields walks.

Accessibility

The Florida Birding Trail lists accessible restrooms, accessible parking, and accessible amenities. The boardwalks give marsh views without hiking the unpaved berm trails.

FAQ

Is the Celery Fields free?

Yes. There is no admission fee for the Celery Fields, the boardwalks, Ackerman Park, or the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center.

What time does the Celery Fields open?

Sarasota County lists the hours as 6 a.m. to sunset daily. The Nature Center keeps its own shorter hours, which change by season.

Where do I park at the Celery Fields?

Use the county lot off Palmer Blvd (6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota). Restrooms are in a building just west of the lot.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but only on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Sources

Checked 2026-10-29. Hours, fees, and closures change, so confirm with the managing agency before you go.