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Turkey Creek Sanctuary

View of Turkey Creek from Sand Pine Ridge Boardwalk

Turkey Creek Sanctuary

If you have limited time but still want to do some bird watching then consider Turkey Creek Sanctuary Park. It is located in the city of Palm Bay, just a couple of miles west of U.S. 1, south of Melbourne Florida. The entire loop of the raised boardwalk is just over a mile and has numerous benches. The park and boardwalk are ideal for people with limited mobility. The park was designed for handicapped access.

Most of the bird species to be seen here are warblers and other songbirds so it is very important to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The best birding is along the jogging trail another 1.5 mile loop.

The park hours are from 7am to sunset every day. If you decide to visit during mid-day when bird activity is usually low, take the time to note the well labeled natural Florida plants along the boardwalk. Be sure to also look up. Attached to, but not harming the mature oaks and other hardwood trees, are Spanish Moss, Ball Moss, Shoestring and Resurrection Fern, and Orchids.

The part itself is composed of three habitats.

• Sand Pine Ridge: A classic scrub area found only in Florida that is 20-25 feet above Turkey Creek.
• Transition Zone: A narrow strip between sand pine scrub and the wet hammocks.
• Wet Hammock: A mature forest surrounding the creek.

The park has been visited by over 138 species of birds over the past few years and you may find any the 28 commonly found species during a visit.

DIRECTIONS

• From I95 take exit 70A and go east on Palm Bay Rd
• Turn right at Babcock St (CR507) and proceed south
• Turn left on Port Malabar Blvd., and continue east one mile to the Palm Bay Community Center
• Then turn right into the sanctuary.

From U.S. 1

• From U.S. 1 turn west at Port Malabar Blvd.
• Go 2 miles and turn left at the Turkey Creek sign at Palm Bay Community Center.

Remember if you've visited the area and have seen some interesting bird and wildlife sights send us an email and we'll pass it along.

Thanks for visiting the Central Florida Bird Watcher's Web Site.

For a more complete listing of birds in the Central Florida area click here:  Central Florida Bird Lists

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