Birding destinations

Oh, where do I even begin? My recent birdwatching trip was a true adventure filled with so many highlights that I hardly know where to start. I had the privilege of encountering some of the most stunning and unique birds I’ve ever seen, including the majestic Roseate Spoonbill, regal Wood Stork, impressive Snail Kite, and graceful Swallow-tailed Kite. But the excitement didn’t stop there! I also had the chance to photograph a Bald Eagle, a King Rail, a Purple Gallinule, a Limpkin, and even a Prothonotary Warbler. Each of these birds was a treasure to behold, and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to capture their beauty through my lens.

As a seasoned traveler and avid birdwatcher, I’m happy to share directions to one of my favorite birding spots. To get there, simply exit at Tamiami Trail (US 41, exit 25) from Florida’s Turnpike, and head west for about three miles until you reach Krome Avenue (SR 997). Once you’ve arrived, take a look at the map to get a sense of the layout of the area and the best spots for birdwatching. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!

As a traveling photographer and birdwatching enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for the best places to capture stunning shots of unique and interesting birds. That’s why I’m excited to share my list of recommended birding sites, listed below in geographical order from Krome Avenue westward.

First up is the Krome Avenue Site, where you can find a diverse array of birds such as Northern Bobwhite, Purple Gallinule, and Limpkin. Just a short drive away is the L-31E Levee Trail, which offers breathtaking views of Wood Storks, Snail Kites, and Swallow-tailed Kites.

Next, head over to Shark Valley, where you’ll find one of the most iconic birds in the area – the Roseate Spoonbill. The Anhinga Trail, just a few miles away, is also a must-see location for birdwatchers, featuring a variety of wading birds, herons, and egrets.

Further west, the Loop Road is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors, but it’s a true paradise for bird lovers. This area boasts some of the most incredible bird sightings, including the King Rail, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, and even the rare Crested Caracara.

Last but not least, the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk is a fantastic spot to capture stunning shots of the vibrant Prothonotary Warbler, among other species. With its tranquil setting and stunning scenery, it’s the perfect place to end your birdwatching adventure.

I hope these recommended sites inspire you to explore the beauty of Florida’s birdlife, and who knows, you might even discover some hidden gems of your own along the way!

Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area

I’m excited to tell you about the Water Conservation Area located on the northern side of Tamiami Canal, running parallel to Tamiami Trail. To access this area from Krome Avenue to Shark Valley, you’ll need to make your way through two water control structures: S-334, which is located just 1.3 miles west of Krome Avenue, and S-333, which is another 10.7 miles farther west.

Once you arrive, keep an eye out for some of the unique bird species that can be found in this area all year round, such as the Snail Kite, King Rail, Purple Gallinule, and Limpkin. During the winter months, you may also be lucky enough to spot the elusive Marsh Wren and Swamp Sparrow. Make sure to consult the map before setting out to explore this beautiful location.

I’m always in awe of the incredible birdlife that can be found in this area, and I know you will be too. So pack your camera and head out to the Water Conservation Area to discover some of the most stunning and unique birds in the region.

Shark Valley (Everglades National Park)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable birdwatching experience, make sure to add the Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park to your list of must-see locations. Located 20.5 miles west of Krome Avenue, this entrance offers visitors the chance to explore a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse birdlife.

The loop road, which covers a distance of 15 miles round-trip, is a great way to explore the area. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to catch glimpses of a variety of wading birds, as well as the King Rail and Purple Gallinule in the canal along the west side of the road. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Roseate Spoonbill and other wading birds that can be spotted anywhere along the loop road.

For the best views of the surrounding sawgrass marsh, head to the observation tower located at the end of the loop road. This tower can be accessed via regularly-scheduled tram tours, by bicycle (rentals available on-site), or on foot. The tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the area and is the perfect spot to capture stunning photos of the wildlife.

If you plan on visiting Shark Valley, be aware that there is a fee to enter Everglades National Park, and the entrance is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The site is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive destination for all visitors.

Make sure to consult the map before embarking on your adventure, and get ready to experience the beauty and diversity of Florida’s birdlife at the Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park.

Loop Road (Big Cypress National Preserve)

Starting at Forty-Mile Bend, located 3.7 miles west of Shark Valley, is the stunning Loop Road that runs through a diverse range of habitats and offers a fantastic birdwatching experience. After Tamiami Trail turns right into Big Cypress National Preserve, turn left onto Loop Road. The road stretches for approximately 23.5 miles, all the way to Monroe Station in Collier County, where it rejoins Tamiami Trail.

For the first eight miles, the road is paved, making it an easy drive or bike ride. Along the way, you’ll find the Loop Road Environmental Education Center and Tree Snail Hammock Nature Trail in Monroe County, which is an excellent spot to look for migrant and wintering songbirds. About six miles from Forty-Mile Bend, the road passes through a pineland area, where you can spot Eastern Bluebirds, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and other pineland species.

Sweetwater Strand is located roughly five miles from Monroe Station, and it’s a beautiful cypress swamp that provides a home to a variety of breeding species. Some of the birds you might see here include Barred Owls, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Eastern Kingbirds, Red-eyed Vireos, Tufted Titmice, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Northern Parulas, and Prothonotary Warblers.

Don’t forget to bring a map to ensure that you don’t miss any of the fantastic birdwatching opportunities along the way. Whether you’re exploring by car, bike, or on foot, Loop Road is a must-visit destination for any bird enthusiast.

Kirby Storter Boardwalk (Big Cypress National Preserve)

Georges Strand, situated on the south side of Tamiami Trail, is a beautiful cypress swamp located just 3.3 miles west of Monroe Station. A fantastic spot for birdwatching, the half-mile boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and winds through the stunning swamp.

As you explore, keep an eye out for Eastern Bluebirds near the parking area, and Tufted Titmice, migrant birds, and wintering songbirds along the boardwalk. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views and the unique bird species that call Georges Strand home. Be sure to check the map to ensure that you don’t miss this fantastic birdwatching destination.

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk (Fakahatchee Strand)

Big Cypress Bend is a beautiful cypress swamp located in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, approximately 20 miles west of Kirby Storter Boardwalk, on the north side of Tamiami Trail. The swamp can be explored via a 2,000-foot boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible.

If you visit in spring or summer, you may be lucky enough to spot nesting Bald Eagles, Barred Owls, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Swallow-tailed Kites. The swamp is also home to a variety of migrant and wintering songbirds, which you may be able to spot along the boardwalk. Be sure to check out the map to ensure that you don’t miss the chance to visit this stunning birdwatching location.

The Florida Keys

If you’re planning a birdwatching trip to the Florida Keys, it’s important to know that the Overseas Highway (US 1) is the main road that leads from Florida City all the way down to Key West.

One helpful feature of this highway is the mile marker (MM) system. Each mile is marked with a sign, allowing you to easily locate different birding sites along the way. For example, the Lower Keys start at MM 37 and include popular birding locations such as the National Key Deer Refuge, the Blue Hole, and the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.

As you drive down the highway, keep an eye out for signs indicating birdwatching hotspots. There are many different habitats to explore, including mangrove swamps, beaches, and pine rocklands. And, of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot some of the unique bird species that call the Keys home. From the White-crowned Pigeon to the Mangrove Cuckoo, there’s always a chance for a great sighting.

So hop in the car and start exploring the Overseas Highway, using the mile marker system to guide your journey. You never know what feathered friends you’ll discover along the way!

Card Sound Bridge

Rewritten:
When on the mainland side of the bridge, keep an eye out for the White-crowned Pigeon, Gray Kingbird, and Cuban Golden Warbler, which can be found in the mangroves or perched on wires near the bridge toll station. On the Key Largo side of the bridge, in the Crocodile National Wildlife Refuge, you may spot Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, and other wading birds during low tide on the mudflats along Card Sound Road.

To get to the bridge toll station from the intersection of Florida’s Turnpike and US 1 in Florida City, head south on US 1 for 1 mile. Then, turn left onto Card Sound Road and drive for 12.5 miles until you reach the bridge toll station. You can refer to the map for more details.

Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site

Rewritten: The botanical site is home to a variety of bird species including White-crowned Pigeon, Mangrove Cuckoo, Gray Kingbird, Black-whiskered Vireo, migrant songbirds and, on rare occasions, Caribbean vagrants. These birds can be spotted on the paved path or unpaved nature trail within the botanical site, or along Loquat Road which is located just south of the parking area.

If you’re looking for a great place to spot a variety of bird species, the CR 905 site in Florida is a must-visit. Located about 21 miles south of the intersection of Florida’s Turnpike and US 1 in Florida City, this site is easily accessible by car.

Once you arrive, park in the designated parking area and pay the fee (if required). The site is open from 8:00 AM until sunset and is wheelchair accessible.

One of the highlights of this site is the paved path and unpaved nature trail that wind through the botanical area. Here you can spot White-crowned Pigeons, Mangrove Cuckoos, Gray Kingbirds, Black-whiskered Vireos, migrant songbirds, and occasionally even Caribbean vagrants.

If you head south on Loquat Road, just south of the parking area, you can also find a variety of bird species. So don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera!

Overall, the CR 905 site is a great place for birdwatchers of all skill levels and a must-visit for anyone interested in the diverse birdlife of Florida. So be sure to add it to your itinerary if you’re in the area!

John Pennekamp State Park

Rewritten: The park offers great opportunities for birdwatching, with possibilities to spot species like White-crowned Pigeon, Mangrove Cuckoo, Gray Kingbird, Black-whiskered Vireo, migrant songbirds, and even Caribbean vagrants. If you take the glass-bottom boat tour in the park, you may also have a chance to see the Brown Booby at Molasses Reef Light.

Revised: To reach the entrance of the park, follow US 1 and locate mile marker 102.5. The entrance is located there, and it is open from 8:00 AM to sunset daily, and an admission fee is required. A map may help to locate the park’s entrance.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

The boardwalk system provides access to lagoons where Roseate Spoonbill and other wading birds can be observed. Additionally, along the nature trail, migrant songbirds can be spotted as well.

Located in the heart of Islamorada, Florida, the Anne’s Beach is a small but beautiful beach park that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The park also features several nature trails, boardwalks, and picnic areas, making it an excellent place for a day trip.

One of the main highlights of the park is the boardwalk system that leads to several lagoons where visitors can observe a variety of wading birds, including the beautiful Roseate Spoonbill. Additionally, migrant songbirds can also be spotted along the nature trail that winds through the park’s lush vegetation.

To reach the park, visitors can take US 1 and head to MM 93.6, where they will find the park’s entrance. Although there is no admission fee, the park does request a donation to help with maintenance and preservation efforts.

Overall, Anne’s Beach is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Located in the Upper Keys, this park offers visitors a chance to see a variety of bird species, including the White-crowned Pigeon, Gray Kingbird, Black-whiskered Vireo, migrant songbirds, and even rare Caribbean vagrants. The park is a great destination for birdwatching enthusiasts looking for a unique experience.

Visitors can explore the park’s various trails and boardwalks to observe the diverse birdlife. Be sure to bring your binoculars and field guide to help identify the different species. The best time to spot these birds is during the winter months when migratory birds flock to the area.

The park also offers other activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Plan a trip to this park to witness the beauty and diversity of Florida’s birdlife.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-visit destination for those interested in snorkeling, diving, or just enjoying the beauty of the ocean. The park features beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee.

In addition to its underwater wonders, the park also offers opportunities to see a variety of bird species, including White-crowned Pigeon, Gray Kingbird, Black-whiskered Vireo, migrant songbirds, and Caribbean vagrants.

To visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, head to the entrance located on US 1 at MM 85.3. Please note that there is a fee for entry, and the park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when it is closed. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear, swimsuit, and camera to capture the unforgettable memories of your visit to this beautiful park.

Long Key State Park

Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Long Key State Park offers visitors a chance to see a variety of bird species. One of the highlights of the park is the Magnificent Frigatebird, a large seabird that can be seen soaring above the ocean. Other species to look out for include the Reddish Egret, known for its distinctive feeding behavior, and the Black-whiskered Vireo, a small bird with a unique song.

The park is also a great place to spot migrant raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds. Keep an eye out for birds of prey like the Peregrine Falcon and Osprey, as well as shorebirds like the Wilson’s Plover and Sanderling.

In addition to these resident and migratory species, Long Key State Park also occasionally attracts rare Caribbean vagrants, making it a destination for birders looking for a unique sighting.

To visit the park, head to the entrance located at US 1 at MM 85.3. Note that the park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A small fee is required for entry.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located at Mile Marker 68 on US 1, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. The park boasts a variety of recreational activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and hiking.

But perhaps the most exciting aspect of this park is its wildlife. Visitors can spot a range of bird species, including the Magnificent Frigatebird, Reddish Egret, and Black-whiskered Vireo. The park is also a prime location for migrant raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds, as well as Caribbean vagrants.

In addition to the wildlife, the park features a stunning coral reef, which is the only living coral reef in the continental United States. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the colorful marine life and coral formations or opt for a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion to get up close and personal with the reef.

To visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, head south on US 1 and look for the entrance at Mile Marker 68. The park is open from 8:00 AM to sunset, and an entrance fee is required.

Curry Hammock State Park

During fall migration, particularly in September and October, a diverse range of raptors, including a considerable number of Peregrine Falcons, can be spotted passing through this area. Other possible sightings include the Magnificent Frigatebird, Reddish Egret, and migratory shorebirds.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located in Key Largo, Florida, and it is the first underwater park in the United States. This park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves water activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the coral reefs and marine life in the area.

One of the highlights of the park is the fall migration of various raptors, including Peregrine Falcons. Visitors can witness this amazing spectacle during September and October. Additionally, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Reddish Egrets, and migrant shorebirds can also be spotted in the park.

The park also features various hiking trails where visitors can see different species of birds, including migratory songbirds. The trails also offer beautiful views of the park’s flora and fauna.

To get to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visitors can use the entrance on US 1 at MM 56.5. The park is open from 8:00 AM to sunset, and an entrance fee is required. Maps are available to guide visitors around the park.

Marathon

Reworded:

In the spring and summer, you may be able to spot or hear Antillean Nighthawks at dusk over the airport. Shorebirds often gather in puddles at the west end of the airport during migration. Crane Point Museum of Natural History is a good place to search for migrant songbirds on trails. Sombrero Beach Golf Course is home to Burrowing Owls. You might also be able to spot Roseate and Least Terns nesting on rooftops at Marathon Government Center. To get to the airport, go to MM 51, to reach Crane Point, go to MM 50.5, to get to Sombrero Beach Golf Course, go to MM 50, and to get to Marathon Government Center, go to MM 48.5.

To get to the Marathon Airport, drive on US 1 and turn at MM 53. The Crane Point Museum of Natural History is located at MM 50 and is accessible via the trails. The Sombrero Beach Golf Course is located across from the museum on Sombrero Boulevard. The Marathon Government Center can be found at MM 48.5. Check the map for more information.

Birding destinations