The Florida Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are home to species of birds not regularly seen in the rest of the United States. Because the parks are adjacent to one another it is possible to create a personalized multi-day bird watching trip which includes both parks and encompasses multiple habitats.
The Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve
This 26 mile, mostly unpaved, road is best explored in late afternoon when wading birds are settling in their roosts and other animals are more likely to be active. Drive slowly, allowing at least a couple of hours to get the most out of this road.
In addition to trees full of multiple species of heron and egrets in the mangrove swamps, both glossy and white ibis roost here as well. Birds of prey and songbirds may be seen in the drier areas at the beginning and end of the road.
Keep an eye out for river otter, turtles and alligators as this quieter part of the park complex often results in better viewing of these animal species. While Big Cypress National Preserve is probably best known for its panther habitat, other Florida mammals are more likely to be seen here.
Flamingo Visitor Center in Everglades National Park
A variety of Florida specialty waders and shorebirds can be seen here. At the Visitor Center, get maps and ask about what birds have been seen recently, then scan Florida Bay for pelicans, terns, gulls and waders.
Check Eco Pond for roseate spoonbill, anhinga and black neck stilt among the herons and egrets. Harriers may be seen in the marshes behind the pond. Walk the entire path around Eco Pond, especially if there is a lot of human activity near the access point, as some of the shyer species such as night herons, will tend to stay at the back of the central island.
Everglades’ Snake Bight Trail for Songbirds
A short distance from the Flamingo Visitor Center is Snake Bight Trail. Be sure to bird this area early, as this is the place for warblers and other songbirds and the trail gets busy with walkers and bike riders as the day progresses.
The boardwalk at the end of the trail gives great views over Florida Bay and this area will have fewer boats than are around the Visitor Center. Herons, egrets and other waders may be seen feeding undisturbed. High tide viewing is best. Low tide exposes miles of mud flats, moving the birds further from shore.
The Road Through Everglades National Park
It is 60 miles from the Coe Visitor Center to the Flamingo Visitor Center. A bird watching tour along this road can take many hours. There are plenty of safe places to pull off when raptors appear. And with four species of kite and several hawks, it is usually worth stopping to check.
Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm Visitor Center in the Everglades
This trail, mostly boardwalk through mangrove swamp and marshes, is an all-person trail. While heavily visited by tourists looking for alligators and the anhinga for which it is named, the walk is populated by birds that are accustomed to human presence making for easy ticks on that checklist.
Bird watching tours of the Florida Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve can encompass dry grasslands, freshwater ponds, hardwood hammocks, mangrove swamps and the waters of Florida Bay. With so many habitats it may take multiple birding trips to really experience the avian variety that South Florida has to offer.
Merritt Island near Orlando is another great spot for a bird watching tour.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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