Birdwatching at Everglades National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEverglades National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including land birds, wading birds, and birds of prey. It is considered the largest habitat and breeding ground for wading birds across North America. In this tropical wilderness, thousands of birds feed and quench their thirst, migrate from one area to another, and raise their young.<\/p>\n
As you explore the park, you are bound to encounter some of these birds. However, if you want to be strategic about bird watching, there are specific birdwatching locations across the park.<\/p>\n
Visit one of the visitor centers and ask the park ranger about the best birdwatching trails. Also, request a map that shows the different birding trails. The birdwatching locations are usually indicated by a green binocular symbol. Remember to bring a pair of binoculars for your birdwatching expedition.<\/p>\n
The bird population and concentration change throughout the different seasons. The best time for bird watching is in the winter dry season. Most birds move towards permeant water bodies, which makes them easy to find and observe. In the wet season, the birds concentrate around Nine-Mile, Paurotis Pond, and West lake.<\/p>\n
Visit Shark Valley<\/h3>\n
At Shark Valley, you are bound to see more alligators than you have probably ever seen. It is a small section of the park, but there is so much to see, including snakes, turtles, fish, and birds. There is a small visitor center where you can learn about the wildlife and rent bikes or trams to tour the area.<\/p>\n
You can explore most of Shark Valley by hiking, cycling, and participating in a tram tour around the 15-mile loop that surrounds it. Alligators often bask near or on the trail, so give them space, especially if you are on foot or bike. Halfway through the loop is an observation tower that gives you a great overlook of the Everglades.<\/p>\n
You can easily access Shark valley through the Shark Valley entrance off the Tamiami Trail (US Highway 41). Note that there are limited parking spots at the Shark Valley visitor center. Be sure to arrive early to get a spot, or you will have to wait for several hours. Shark Valley is open between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm during peak season.<\/p>\n
Explore the Gumbo Limbo Trail<\/h3>\n
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a 0.5 mile, short trail within Everglades National Park and near the Homestead entrance. It starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center.<\/p>\n
It is an easy and tranquil trail. It is moderately trafficked and brings you up close with dense vegetation. It is C-shaped with two trailheads leading to the visitor center. This section of the road is slightly more elevated than the surrounding wetlands. The easiest way to access it is on foot or by bike. It is also wheelchair accessible.<\/p>\n
It is named after the Gumbo Limbo trees, which are prevalent on the hiking trails. The unique trees have reddish-brown barks that peel off. You may also encounter Poisonwood on this trail. Keep away as its sap is highly poisonous. It is easily identifiable by the oozy dark blotches on its smooth tree trunk.<\/p>\n
Explore Anhinga Trail<\/h3>\n
The Anhinga Trail also starts at the front side of the Royal Palm Visitor Center. However, these hiking trails do not connect with the Gumbo Limbo trail at any point. It is a 0.8-mile trail named after the Anhinga bird. Unlike the Gumbo Limbo trail, which is filled with vegetation, the Anhinga trail is filled with animals. You will likely encounter different species of birds, turtles, and alligators.<\/p>\n
Besides the first section of the trail is a pond on one side and a canal on the other. About 0.2 miles into the trail, you will find a boardwalk with two observation decks where you can see alligators and birds.<\/p>\n
If you are short on time, prioritize the Anhinga trail over Shark Valley. You will get to see a similar variety of animals as you would on the Shark Valley but across a shorter distance.<\/p>\n
Take an Everglades Airboat Tour<\/h3>\n
An airboat ride is an exciting and fast way to see the Everglades. It is thrilling as you zip through the water. However, you won\u2019t have ample time to take in the scenery as the airboats are loud and fast. However, this kind of boat ride allows you to cover significant distances across the park.<\/p>\n
There have been concerns about the disturbance the airboats cause on the natural landscape and its habitats. However, park management wants to allow people to enjoy their time. So, they have set up regulations to enable visitors to explore while still protecting the environment. Make sure to only use airboat companies authorized to operate in the park. They adhere to the protocols and routes stipulated by park management.<\/p>\n
Take a Slogging Tour<\/h3>\n
A slogging tour in the Florida Everglades is primarily a park ranger led tour through designated areas in Shark Valley and the Royal Palm districts. Slogging is walking in swampy murky waters. It is usually done during the summer season when the water levels are higher.<\/p>\n
You need to make a reservation for the tour. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Follow the park ranger\u2019s instructions carefully. The swampy places in the Everglades tend to have mosquitos, so apply bug repellent before heading out.<\/p>\n
Kayak in the Ten Thousand Islands<\/h3>\n
The Ten Thousand Islands are of the Florida Keys is a world-class kayaking and paddling destination for people with different skill levels. The southern part of the islands can be accessed from Everglades National Park.<\/p>\n
This side of the area has nine islands and numerous kayaking routes. It has a maze of groves that offers beautiful coastal scenery. You will get to see lots of water wildlife and some birds.<\/p>\n
If you are lucky, you might see some bottlenose dolphins and manatees. However, note that some sections may have crocodiles and alligators. You can rent a kayak from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.<\/p>\n