Rye Preserve birding guide
Old Florida scrub, oak hammock, and Manatee River shoreline just below the Lake Manatee dam, with hawks, woodpeckers, and caracaras.
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Quick facts
- Where
- 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL 34219 (Parrish, below the Lake Manatee dam, Manatee County)
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.
- Fees
- No entrance fee listed by Manatee County. Tent camping is $20 per site per night plus tax.
- Best time
- Early morning, before the open scrub gets hot.
Overview
Rye Preserve is a 530-acre Manatee County preserve just northwest of the Lake Manatee Dam. Its trails pass through four habitats: sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, oak hammocks, and the river community along the Manatee River. Gopher tortoises live here, and Manatee County Audubon mentions the Florida Scrub-Jay among the preserve's residents.
The preserve also holds the Rye Family Cemetery, the last reminder of the pioneer river community of Rye. eBirders have reported about 130 species.
Birds to expect by season
Late October and November
Manatee County Audubon notes woodpeckers, including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker during migration, along with warblers, towhees, and wrens in the scrub and hammocks. Watch overhead for hawks and Crested Caracara.
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- woodpeckers
- warblers
- towhees
- wrens
- hawks
- Crested Caracara
Year-round regulars
- Crested Caracara
- Wood Stork
- herons
- woodpeckers
- wrens
Spring and summer
Swallows and warblers are on Manatee County Audubon's list for the preserve. Spring migration is the time to check the oak hammocks for warblers.
Where to park
Park in the main lot at 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish. From there, the Red Trail leads down steps to a canoe and kayak launch on the Manatee River.
Trails and viewing spots
- Sand pine and xeric oak scrub, for towhees and the chance of a scrub-jay.
- Oak hammocks, for woodpeckers and warblers.
- The Red Trail down to the Manatee River launch, for herons and Wood Storks.
- Open sky over the scrub, for hawks and Crested Caracara.
Tips
- Restrooms and water fountains are on site.
- From November through April, tent camping is available Friday and Saturday nights, first come, first served ($20 per site per night plus tax, cash or check). The ranger station is open Fridays and Saturdays, 3 to 7 p.m., for check-in.
- The playground was being replaced starting Oct 26, 2026, with the new one expected in early November.
- Group visits to the uplands education center are by reservation (941-742-5923 ext. 6042).
Accessibility
We couldn't find official accessibility details for the trails, which run through sandy scrub, and the river launch is down steps. Call Manatee County at 941-748-4501 for specifics.
FAQ
What are Rye Preserve's hours?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year.
Does Rye Preserve charge admission?
Manatee County doesn't list an entrance fee. Tent camping costs $20 per site per night plus tax.
What birds are at Rye Preserve?
Manatee County Audubon lists woodpeckers (including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in migration), wrens, swallows, hawks, warblers, towhees, herons, Wood Storks, and Crested Caracara.
Can I camp at Rye Preserve?
Yes, in tents on Friday and Saturday nights from November through April, first come, first served. Register at the ranger station, 3 to 7 p.m.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-31. Hours, fees, and closures change, so confirm with the managing agency before you go.