Felts Audubon Preserve birding guide
Manatee County Audubon's own 28-acre sanctuary, with feeder blinds that are a top local bet for wintering Painted and Indigo Buntings.
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Quick facts
- Where
- 4600 24th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221 (Palmetto (24th Ave E / Oakhurst Rd), Manatee County)
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset, every day.
- Fees
- Free.
- Best time
- Morning. On the first Saturday of the month from October to April, Manatee County Audubon leads a free guided bird walk, 8 to 10 a.m.
Overview
Felts Audubon Preserve is a 28-acre bird sanctuary in Palmetto owned by the Manatee County Audubon Society. The former farmland came to the society in 2002 from the estate of Otis and Anita Felts, and since May 2020 a conservation easement with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast keeps it a preserve permanently.
Over a mile of mostly mowed-grass paths links covered bird blinds, ponds, wetlands, meadows, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammock. Manatee County Audubon has documented 194 bird species and 45 butterfly species here, and the eBird hotspot shows about 197 species. Recent additions include a native plant garden and a microforest (2024) and a chickee hut pavilion and gazebo (2025).
Birds to expect by season
Late October and November
In migration and winter, Painted and Indigo Buntings visit the feeders at the bird blind, which Manatee County Audubon calls one of the reliable places to see them. Thrushes, warblers, and vireos pass through the wooded areas, and ducks, herons, and egrets use the ponds.
- Painted Bunting
- Indigo Bunting
- thrushes
- warblers
- vireos
- ducks
- herons
- egrets
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Great Horned Owl
Year-round regulars
- Great Horned Owl
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Eastern Bluebird
- herons
- egrets
Spring and summer
Spring migration brings thrushes, warblers, and vireos back through the hammock, and Eastern Bluebirds use the preserve's nest boxes.
Where to park
Manatee County Audubon directs visitors to park on the road shoulder of 24th Ave E (also called Oakhurst Rd) and walk in through the pedestrian entrance at 4600 24th Ave E. Guided walks meet at the entrance gate.
Trails and viewing spots
- The covered bird blind, with several feeders and a fountain: close looks and photos, and the best spot for buntings in winter.
- Ponds and wetlands, for ducks, herons, and egrets.
- Mowed paths through the pine flatwoods and hammock, for thrushes, warblers, and vireos in migration.
- Eastern Bluebird nest boxes.
- The native plant garden at the blind entrance, the microforest viewing areas, and the shaded chickee hut pavilion and gazebo.
Tips
- Join a free guided walk on the first Saturday, October to April, 8 to 10 a.m. As of Oct 31, 2026, Manatee County Audubon's calendar lists Nov 7, 2026 and Jan 2, Feb 6, and Apr 3, 2027.
- No dogs or other pets, no bikes on the paths, and no fishing.
- Portable restrooms are near the shed.
- Want to help? Manatee County Audubon holds volunteer Conservation Days on the last Saturday of each month, 8 to 11 a.m.
Accessibility
Paths are mostly mowed grass, and Manatee County Audubon notes that wheelchair accessibility may be limited. The covered blind, pavilion, and gazebo give seated, shaded viewing.
FAQ
Is Felts Audubon Preserve free?
Yes. There is no admission fee.
Are there guided bird walks at Felts Audubon Preserve?
Yes. Manatee County Audubon leads a free guided walk on the first Saturday of the month from October to April, 8 to 10 a.m. Check the society's calendar for exact dates.
Where can I see Painted Buntings near Bradenton?
The bird blind at Felts Audubon Preserve in Palmetto. Manatee County Audubon says Painted and Indigo Buntings often visit its feeders in migration and winter.
Can I bring my dog to Felts Audubon Preserve?
No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the preserve.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-31. Hours, fees, and closures change, so confirm with the managing agency before you go.