Perico Preserve birding guide
A 176-acre bird sanctuary on Perico Bayou with a pond-side blind, a rookery island, and wintering ducks; 225+ species on eBird.
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Quick facts
- Where
- 11700 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209 (Perico Island, west Bradenton (Manatee Ave W), Manatee County)
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.
- Fees
- Free.
- Best time
- Morning. The preserve opens at sunrise, and the birding and the heat are both better early.
Overview
Perico Preserve is a 176-acre Manatee County preserve on the west side of Perico Bayou, across from Robinson Preserve. The county bought the abandoned farmland in 2007, restored it, and opened it in 2016 as its first preserve designed from the start as a bird sanctuary: coastal wetlands, fresh and saltwater marshes, scrub hills, and uplands.
eBirders have reported about 227 species here, one of the highest totals in Manatee County. The preserve is also home to more than 30 relocated gopher tortoises, often seen near their burrows.
Birds to expect by season
Late October and November
Wintering ducks arrive. Manatee County Audubon lists Blue-winged Teal, mergansers, Canvasback, American Wigeon, and Ring-necked Duck, and the pond-side blind gives close looks at ducks, gallinules, waders, Marsh Wrens, and Savannah Sparrows.
- Blue-winged Teal
- American Wigeon
- Ring-necked Duck
- Canvasback
- mergansers
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Marsh Wren
- Savannah Sparrow
- Spotted Sandpiper
- Bald Eagle
Year-round regulars
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Wood Stork
- Osprey
- Brown Pelican
- Common Gallinule
- Anhinga
- cormorants
- herons
- egrets
- ibis
Spring and summer
Perico was designed for breeding birds: watch the rookery island in the central lake for cormorants, Anhingas, and Wood Storks. The county asks visitors to leave dogs at home so birds can nest and raise young.
Where to park
Use the preserve's on-site lot at 11700 Manatee Ave W, on the way to Anna Maria Island. The covered picnic pavilion is at the entrance off the west parking lot, and a portable restroom is on site.
Trails and viewing spots
- The pond-side bird blind: ducks, gallinules, waders, Marsh Wrens, and Savannah Sparrows up close.
- The central lake and its rookery island, for cormorants, Anhingas, and Wood Storks.
- Observation decks and the observation dock, with views of the rookery island and Perico Bayou.
- The walking trail, with a covered bench for a shady break.
Tips
- No dogs, except service animals.
- Bikes are allowed only on designated trails. At key points the county asks you to leave the bike and continue on foot.
- Give the gopher tortoises space near their burrows.
- Robinson Preserve is just across Perico Bayou, so you can bird both in one morning.
Accessibility
Manatee County lists a boardwalk, benches, a covered bench, an observation dock, and a bird blind. We couldn't find official details on trail surfaces, so call the county at 941-748-4501 if you need them.
FAQ
Is Perico Preserve free?
Yes. There is no admission fee.
Are dogs allowed at Perico Preserve?
No. Manatee County asks visitors to leave dogs at home, except service animals, because the preserve is a bird sanctuary.
Does Perico Preserve have a bird blind?
Yes, a pond-side bird blind with close looks at ducks, gallinules, waders, and sparrows.
What are Perico Preserve's hours?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-31. Hours, fees, and closures change, so confirm with the managing agency before you go.