Florida Wildlife Conservation Parks

17 years ago

I'm taking vacation toward the end of May. I plan on going down the west coast of FL from Tampa, hit the Everglades and return up the East coast to make a round trip in 7-9 days.

I want to see Alligators, crocs, caracara, Snail Kite (and any other kite), hawks, turns, ducks, bitterns, night herons, any cranes, egrets, gannet or booby, frigatebird....basically anything that you wouldn't see in the Northern states where I am from.

I want to take full advantage of living in Florida.

I plan on stopping at the J.N. "Ding" Darling N.W.R in Sanibel, Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, Alligator Alley, Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee N.W.R, and a spot or two near Kissimee I have to look up.

Are there any "can't miss" spots along the way?

Have I filled my time frame already? I'm guessing the Everglades area will be 2-3 days.

Thanks for your help! :)

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Comments (7)

rachel_frome_ky
17 years ago
A great place just south of Orlando is Anatasia Island and the nearby rookery at St Augustine Alligator Farm. You can walk out on a boardwalk over the alligator swamp and take photos of nestlings just a few feet away.
I took this photo in 2004 with a 35mm camera, then scanned it

8-11-04, St. Augustine Alligator Rookery, Cattle Egret nestling
From 8-2004 St Augustine Alligator farm rookery
lori239
17 years ago
Anastasia Island and St. Augustine are actually NORTHeast of Orlando.

If you have time, I would consider Cedar Key a "can't miss" spot. It is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and is an island located west (about 45 min.) of Gainesville. It is a small, quaint, fishing town - cute shops, very friendly people, but most importantly, EXCELLENT birding. When we go there we usually stay at Old Fenimore Mill on the water - all units have private balconies, and we'll sit on the balcony all day bird watching - I usually see Ibis, Egrets, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons, Pelicans, Frigate Birds, Roseate Spoonbills - the list goes on and on! And not to mention, gorgeous sunsets and wonderful seafood.
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I just came in from the first firefly catching expedition of the season. I'm glad my daughter still gets excited about it, and I have to admit even at my age the sparkling all over was pretty cool. My yard is a decent size but still suburban and one of the most interesting (to me) parts is the back corner where I only mow on and off starting in August. I call it the meadow, my wife calls it the weed and tick patch, but it's always filled with better things than weeds and ticks. Crickets, fireflies, butterflies, and all the other less fun bugs that go with a lively outside all keep the corner interesting. It's not a prairie since I mow it, but it's more than a lawn. I guess my point is if you're mowing your lawn just for the sake of mowing it consider taking a break. The kids have plenty of lawn in front to play, but the back part is overkill and instead I just mow a few paths to keep it legit looking, and enjoy. Quite a few wildflowers have come in on their own. I pull what I don't like. Duffy that's pretty impressive. I'd be overwhelmed by something of that scale!
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fl_gypsy
17 years ago
Hi, my family lives in Clewiston, on the southern tip of Lake Okeechobee. There is a place called "Dinner Island" not to far from Clewiston that is great for birdwatching (last time we were there we saw over 35 species), seeing alligators,snakes, turtles, deer, wild hogs,butterflies, plants, you name it. Very few people are even aware of what it is. The road is sort of rough but it is well worth the drive. I have listed the URL below for more information. I am a fifth generation Floridian and my family and I love to go here. It's a special place off the beaten path of civilization.

http://myfwc.com/Recreation/WMASites_DinnerIslandRanch_index.htm
mrbass111
17 years ago
I want to see Alligators, crocs, caracara, Snail Kite (and any other kite), hawks, turns, ducks, bitterns, night herons, any cranes, egrets, gannet or booby, frigatebird...

gannets and boobies and frigatebirds are open water bird. no luck on them unless you drive down into the keys. you might spot a frigate bird.

for kites, the best way to find them is by boat on west lake toho or lake kissimmee. on land joe overstreet park might be your best bet. also there are community whooping cranes. so if you go to kissimmee you might want to look that up.

caracaras will be around kissimmee and okeechobee. look along the roadsides and fence posts.

most of the ducks will be gone. but you will find florida mottled ducks.

NOW. im my opinion one of the best spots is viera wetlands. it is out of your way. about 3 hours from tampa. and a little over an hour from kissimmee. it has all the herons, egrets, bald eagles, northern harriers, caracaras, tone of gators, turtles, snakes, the bitterns may be gone by then, sandhill cranes, all the ibises, and variouse passerines.
vireyafl
17 years ago
On your way driving up the east coast is Wakhodatchee Wetlands on Jog Rd. in Delray Beach - it is a fantastic place but we usually visit in the winter so I am not sure how it is in May but this could be true of a lot of places. If you google Wakhodatchee you will find the Palm Beach County Government site giving all the information about it including the birds found there. We think it is way better than the Everglades.
michigan_2008
17 years ago
Miwildlife.org - Aims to help wildlife by providing habitat, promoting the preservation of cougars and educating people on the issues.

Here is a link that might be useful: Michigan Wildlife
bbcathy
17 years ago
Along alligator Alley there is a little park where you can bike ride or walk I think it is about 15 miles long trail through there. It's called Shark Alley (don't know why) It's on the east side of the Everglades. It's loaded with birds such as Anhingas Herons eagles and so forth and of course lots of Gators. Saw a nice little Key Deer buck there too. Have fun
Cathy

Florida Wildlife Conservation Parks

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rachel_frome_ky

lori239

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