Everglades National Park:
Main Entrance
Homestead, FL
When to Visit:
This is where you access the main portion of Everglades National Park. The road ends at Flamingo with many wonderful stops along the way. Get here early in the day and enjoy your time in this amazing national park. Be sure to stop into one of the visitor centers to get more information about the park.
Specialty Species:
Snail Kite: Watch for this species over marshy areas. It can be seen throughout the park including along the road and Anhinga Trail. Check Nine Mile Pond for this species as well. During dry years and dry times of the year, this can be a difficult species to locate inside the park.
Short-tailed Hawk: Watch throughout the park for this hawk soaring above the extensive grasslands. The best area for these hawks is the first twenty miles of road through the park.
American Flamingo: Hike to the end of Snake Bight Trail, preferably at high tide, for a chance to see Flamingos in the bight.
White-crowned Pigeon: Look for this pigeon at the tops of trees at Mahogany Hammock and around Eco Pond. Also look for this species in any other hammock throughout the park.
Mangrove Cuckoo: Look for this species along Snake Bight Trail. It is easiest to find this species early in the morning when they are singing.
Brown-crested Flycatcher: Look for this flycatcher in any hammock throughout the park especially along Gumbo Limbo Trail. This is an uncommon wintering bird in Florida
Gray Kingbird: Look for this species during the spring and summer throughout the park. Many pairs breed throughout the park.
Black-whiskered Vireo: Look for this vireo in wooded areas throughout the park from spring through fall. It is a common bird in the park during this time.
“Cape Sable” Seaside Sparrow: Look for this sparrow around Mahogany Hammock and around Taylor Slough. This is a common species during the entire year.
Where to Bird:
- Anhinga Trail
- Long Pine Key
- Mahogany Hammock
- Snake Bight Trail
- Flamingo Visitor Center
- Eco Pond
Anhinga Trail: Anhinga Trail is one of the most well-known birding and photography areas in the park. Once you visit, you will understand why. The birds along the trail are accustomed to people and this allows you to approach and study the birds at close range. Look for Anhingas and Purple Gallinules swimming in the water along the trail. Anhingas will also sit along the railings sunning themselves and paying very little attention to the people passing by. They also nest right along the boardwalk allowing easy viewing of the nests and the young. Look for Black Vultures on the roof of the Visitor Center. While walking on the boardwalk, keep an eye on the sky for a chance to see a Snail Kite.
Research Road: This road goes through a pine forest. You will find many of the same species as listed below under Long Pine Key.
Long Pine Key: This is one of the few pine forests in Everglades National Park. Check this area for common woodland species. This area can be good for warblers during migration. Brown-crested Flycatchers have been found in the area during recent winters.
Mahogany Hammock: During the early morning hours, this is a great place to find “Cape Sable” Seaside Sparrows. During migration, warblers can be found in this area. This is also the home of Barred Owls that are most easily found in the evening hours.
Snake Bight Trail: Hike this long trail in the winter for a chance to see American Flamingos. It is best to visit at high tide when the birds are closer to the observation deck. While hiking along the trail, be sure to listen and look for Mangrove Cuckoos.
Flamingo Visitor Center: Scan Florida Bay from the visitor center. You have a chance to see many water birds such as heron, egrets, pelicans, terns, and gulls. Watch the skies for Osprey and Bald Eagles.
Eco Pond: Hike around Eco Pond for a chance to see White-crowned Pigeons, Black-necked Stilts, and Painted Buntings. During migration, warblers are also found in this area.Hours:
Open at all Hours
Fees:
Private Vehicle: $10
Pedestrian/Cyclist: $5
All passes are good for 7 day from date of purchase.
Accessiblity:
Some areas are handicap accessible.
Trails:
Miles of hiking and canoe trails in the park.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
Lenght of Visit:
Half or full day visit is recommended
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: Take the Florida Turnpike/ Route 821 south until it ends and merges with US-1. Turn right (west) at the first stoplight onto Palm Drive/SR 9336/SW 344th Street. After 1.65 miles, turn left (south) on SW 192nd Street. Go 2 miles and turn right (west) on SW 376th Street. After about 6 miles, you will reach the entrance to the park.
From the South: Take US-1 North towards Miami. Turn left (west) onto Palm Drive/SR 9336/SW 344th Street in Florida City. After 1.65 miles, turn left (south) on SW 192nd Street. Go 2 miles and turn right (west) on SW 376th Street. After about 6 miles, you will reach the entrance to the park.
Address:
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL
305-242-7700
Nearby Birding: