Red Bug Slough Preserve birding guide

A shady in-town preserve known for warbler fallouts, Wood Ducks, and a quiet lake.

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Quick facts

Where: 5200 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231 (Central Sarasota (Beneva Rd), Sarasota County)
Hours: 6 a.m. to sunset, per Sarasota County. The Florida Birding Trail lists different seasonal hours, so call 941-861-5000 if you plan to go early or late.
Fees: Free.
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon, which are best for both parking and birds.

Overview

Red Bug Slough is a 72-acre Sarasota County preserve of hardwood swamp and shady hammock around a small lake and slough, in the middle of suburban Sarasota. eBirders have counted more than 190 species here since 2009.

The Florida Birding Trail says the preserve is well known for warbler fallouts during migration.

Birds to expect by season

Late October and November

Fall migration can bring vireos and warblers to the hammock. Around the water, look for kingfishers, Anhinga, herons, egrets, ducks, and both night-herons.

migrant warblers
vireos
Belted Kingfisher
Wood Duck
Mottled Duck
Anhinga
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Pileated Woodpecker
Limpkin

Year-round regulars

Wood Duck
Red-shouldered Hawk
Pileated Woodpecker
Green Heron
Limpkin

Spring and summer

Least Terns are a surprising spring and summer visitor to the slough.

Where to park

The main lot is off Beneva Rd (5200 Beneva Rd), next to the playground, and parking is limited. A back entrance where S. Lockwood Ridge Rd dead-ends at Gypsy St has few official spaces. A third lot at the end of Ashton Rd (east off Lockwood Ridge) holds about eight cars and reaches the fishing bridge.

Trails and viewing spots

Lake overlook, picnic area, and fishing pier, reached by a rubberized path from the playground.
Small pond between trail markers 8 and 9: Wood Ducks.
Two wooden bridges near marker 28: wading birds and migrating songbirds.

Tips

Trails can flood in summer or after heavy rain.
Watch for alligators basking along the slough's edge.
Leashed dogs are allowed, and trails are shared with bikes.

Accessibility

A rubberized accessible path runs from the playground to the fishing pier, about a quarter mile. The rest of the trails are unpaved; they are accessible to most visitors but can be hard going for wheelchairs.

FAQ

Is Red Bug Slough good for birding?

Yes. More than 190 species have been reported on eBird, and it is known for warbler fallouts during migration.

Where do I park at Red Bug Slough?

The main lot is at 5200 Beneva Rd, and it is small. There are also small lots at Gypsy St and at the end of Ashton Rd.

Is Red Bug Slough free?

Yes.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Partly. A rubberized path runs about a quarter mile from the playground to the fishing pier. The other trails are unpaved.

Sources

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