florida bird watching tours

• Excellent and often easy wildlife viewing, especially large waders
• Specialties of the pine woods of the southeast USA
• Exciting birding on the Keys and the Dry Tortugas

Tour Overview

Winter is a great time to visit south Florida, the subtropics of the United States. On our Florida birding tour, we experience a range of fascinating habitats from upland pine forests, prairies and cypress swamps to mangrove swamps, hardwood hammocks, and the sheltered waters of the Florida Keys. We take in the famous Ding Darling NWR for its waterbirds, Babcock-Webb WMA for the pine trio of Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman’s Sparrow and Brown-headed Nuthatch, Everglades National Park for Mottled Duck, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite, Short-tailed Hawk, Purple Gallinule and others, and the Keys for southern Florida specialties such as Mangrove Cuckoo and White-crowned Pigeon.

We also take a day trip to the fabulous Dry Tortugas, to witness the onset of breeding by thousands of Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. We end our tour in the Miami area, where several exotic species have become naturalized – various parakeets and parrots, mynas, exotic waterbirds, Red-whiskered Bulbuls and Spot-breasted Orioles are resident here. We will also keep track of local sightings, in case a vagrant occurs close by.

Dates & Prices

Dates & prices.

We strongly encourage bookings before Dec. 15th to ensure a spot on the Dry Tortugas boat tour.

What's Included

Tour price includes.

• All accommodation (Good, comfortable)
• All breakfasts and lunches
• Ground transportation (15-passenger vans)
• One EET guide with 4 - 8 participants, 2 guides with 9 - 12 participants in 2 vehicles
• Full-day boat ride to Dry Tortugas
• All park, conservation and entrance fees

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Flights to and from start/ end location
• Evening meals
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Day 1: Arrival - Fort Myers

Our Florida birding tour begins with a meeting for dinner in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. Night in Fort Myers.

Day 2: Ding Darling NWR and San Carlos Bay

Our first birding day is a big one, as we visit the world-renowned Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Among the spectacular array of waders and shorebirds we will search for some local specialities, including Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. With some luck we may catch a glimpse of a resident Short-tailed Hawk or Bald Eagle flying overhead. We will also stop at San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve to look for saltwater-loving species such as Black Skimmer and Reddish Egret. In the early evening we will look for resident Burrowing Owls and Monk Parakeets in Cape Coral. Night in Fort Myers.

Day 3: Babcock-Webb WMA

On day 3 we will drive north to Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management area, a large tract of slash pine and marsh, for three pinewoods specialties - Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch and a chance for Bachman’s Sparrow. Other species here include Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Bluebird and Eastern Meadowlark. Sandhill Cranes nest in the area, and roadside wetlands support American Coot and Common Gallinule.

In the afternoon, we search for species we may have missed and look nearby for Florida Scrub-Jay, a threatened species found only in Florida. Nearby wetlands support Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and Glossy Ibis. Night in Fort Myers.

Day 4: Corkscrew Swamp and Miccosukee

In the morning we visit the famous Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. After checking the visitors center birdfeeders for Common Ground-Dove and Painted Bunting we will head out on the beautiful boardwalks in search of the swamp’s residents, including Limpkin. Many northern warblers spend their winter months here, and Tufted Titmice forage in the cypress.

In the afternoon we carry on across southern Florida towards Homestead, stopping in the Miccosukee area to search for the endangered Snail Kite foraging along the irrigation canals. Night in Homestead.

Day 5: Everglades

We spend the day in the Everglades, Marjory Stoneman Douglas’s “River of Grass”. We travel from Royal Palms to Flamingo, the terminus of Everglades National Park’s main road. We stop at well-known sites such as Anhinga Trail, where conspicuous residents include Purple Gallinule, and, appropriately, Anhinga, Mahogany Hammock with its diverse tropical hardwood trees and marvelous land snails, and Paurotis and Nine-mile Ponds for Mottled Duck, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill and soaring Short-tailed Hawk.

The mudflats at Flamingo host shorebirds and terns, including Marbled Godwit, and Eco Pond occasionally has Glossy and White Ibis, and possibly Black-necked Stilt. We will also be on the watch for American Crocodile and West Indian Manatee. Our tally of birds could include many specialties of southern Florida - White-crowned Pigeon, Short-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks, Barred Owl, White-tailed Kite and even Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Night in Homestead.

Day 6: Florida Keys

We begin the morning birding the Homestead area, this region of south florida is well known as being an excellent site for over-wintering birds, often with a decidedly western flair! After, we leave Homestead and head down to the keys. We stop first in Key Largo in search of specialties such as White-crowned Pigeon and Yellow-throated Warbler, and with luck scarcer species such as Mangrove Cuckoo or Shiny Cuckoo. Night in Key West.

Day 7: Dry Tortugas

We will take a day trip via boat to Dry Tortugas National Park to explore the birds & wildlife of the island. At this time of year we have a chance to see Sooty Tern, Masked Booby, Brown Noddy, and Magnificent Frigatebird nesting on these islands. There is also excellent snorkelling to be enjoyed here (equipment provided). Night in Key West.

Day 8: Florida Keys

This morning we will explore the lower Keys. We’ll visit Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Botanical Garden, as well as look for the diminutive Key Deer on Big Pine Key. The keys are a hotspot for rarities, so we will watch for reports of any unusual visitors. Recent rarities on the Keys in the last few winters have included Western Spindalis, Black-faced Grassquit, Cuban Pewee and Red-legged Thrush.

We bird our way up the Keys visiting several excellent spots along our way to Miami. Night in Miami.

Day 9: Miami Area

Our final birding day will be spent in the unlikely birding destination of urban Miami. Numerous exotic species have become naturalized here - various parakeets and parrots, mynas, Gray-headed Swamphen, Egyptian Goose, Red-whiskered Bulbul and Spot-breasted Oriole are possible. We will also keep track of local sightings, in case a vagrant occurs close by. There are usually one or two goodies to be found like the Bahama Mockingbird. Night in Miami.

Day 10: Departure - Miami

Our Florida birding tour concludes today in Miami. You can depart anytime for your flights home.

What to Expect

Overview The Florida tour is a relatively fast paced birding tour. You can expect early mornings and long days in the field, followed by a restful evening and early nights.

Food We often go birding right after (or sometimes before) breakfast and take a picnic lunch in the field, but will occasionally stop at a restaurant for lunch. We will spend the whole day birding. Most days we return in the late afternoon to our accommodations, and in the evening we arrange to go to a local restaurant. After dinner will be personal time at the hotel. Each evening after dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.

Accommodation Generally we stay in comfortable hotel rooms in locations close to where we want to go birding.

Walking The walking on this tour is easy to moderate. Most birding locations involve just short forays away from the van, but there will be some longer days including going to Oscar Scherer and Corkscrew Swamp, which are just under 5km (3 miles) in length. Participants must be able to walk slowly for up to three hours in warm weather. The topography of southern Florida is quite flat, and most trails are well groomed, paved or boardwalks.

Driving Driving distances vary from short on some days to moderate on others, and we make frequent stops during each day’s travel.

Climate The climate of this region is generally mild to seasonably warm with average February temperatures ranging from 25°C (76° F) during the day to 16° C (60°F) at night. Temperatures will be higher from Miami southwards.

There is generally little rain at this time of year but humidity is high. The sun can be intense, so sunscreen and a brimmed hat are advised. Mosquitoes and small biting flies can be a nuisance, but are usually not severe in this region; insect repellent is recommended as a precaution. Chiggers and ticks are present; we will avoid walking in tall grass where possible.

Boat Trips Our Florida birding tour includes a boat trip out to the Dry Tortugas; motion sickness on boat trips can be an issue, although the size of the boat minimizes the problem. It may be quite cool on the water, so layered clothing underneath a waterproof windbreaker would be desirable. Boat trips are rarely cancelled due to weather, however, if this occurs, we will bird alternative locations.

You will have the option to go snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. Standard snorkeling equipment is included, but you will want to bring your prescription mask if you require one.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Roseate Spoonbill
• Brown Noddy
• Purple Gallinule
• Black Skimmer
• Swallow-tailed Kite
• Short-tailed Hawk
• Burrowing Owl
• White-crowned Pigeon
• Red-cockaded Woodpecker
• Florida Scrub-Jay
• Painted Bunting

Past Tour Checklists

View the list of birds and other wildlife we encountered on our past tours.

• Florida species list 2024 (eBird)
• Florida species list 2023 (ebird)
• Florida species list 2019
• Florida species list 2016
• Florida species list 2015

Trip Reports & Inspiration

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A guide to the great florida birding trail, by kevin mims.

Florida is a birder's paradise. Our mild climate and diverse habitats attract hundreds of bird species, including such sought-after finds as the rare Florida burrowing owl, snail kite and a wealth of wading birds.

Some species, like limpkins, occur here year 'round, while others, like swallow-tailed kites and yellow-billed cuckoos, come to Florida to raise their young in spring and summer.

Other migratory species pause here only to rest and feed before or after crossing the Gulf of Mexico in October and April. One reason that Florida is so bird-rich is its unique geographic placement between tropical and temperate regions. Another is that it has two important flyways, or migratory corridors, used by Caribbean birds and birds from as far away as the Canadian Prairies; if you want to see these species on this continent, Florida is one of the best places to do it. Some are tiny little warblers that fly 3,000 miles to get here. At one time only local birders were privy to the great wildlife viewing sites and trails in their area. Now, The Great Florida Birding Trail   leads local and visiting birders to many of these hidden jewels, as well as to stunning state parks and other pristine sites perfect for viewing your favorite feathered friends. The 2,000-mile driving tour includes almost 500 old and new birding locations selected for their excellent bird watching or bird education opportunities. The trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission , supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Modeled after the successful Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, it combines special highway signs identifying birding trail sites with a detailed map showcasing the wonderful birding opportunities in Florida. It is organized in a series of clusters, each containing one to 15 sites highlighting communities and special ecosystems like the Lake Wales Ridge. Although portions are designed for drive-by viewing, others encourage parking your car and hiking, boating or bicycling for better viewing. From beautiful beaches to lost-in-time wetlands, birders of all levels can experience Florida's diverse habitat, wildlife and local flavor while engaging in ornithological pursuits. The Great Florida Birding Trail divides the state into four sections: The East Florida section opened in November 2000, the West Florida section followed in November 2002 and the Panhandle Florida section opened in May 2004. The ambitious, statewide project was completed with the opening of the South Florida section in 2006. You can explore the four sections at Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website .

Here's a sampling of their advice as well as a glimpse of some glorious adventures awaiting your discovery:

East Florida Section

Start at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach, a great introduction to Florida's species and habitats. Check the entrance road's hammock and marsh for warblers, waders, wrens and sparrows. Watch for painted buntings in spring and summer and peruse the pier for seabirds and purple sandpipers and gannets in winter. Fort Clinch State Park is considered a trail "gateway" or hub, for birding trail information, as is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville. Here, in the shadow of the space program, you can drive Black Point for rails, ducks like pintails and teals, and shorebirds. Reddish egrets "dance" on salt flats and harriers flush shorebirds in winter. Hammock and scrub trails are good for migrants and Florida scrub-jays perch on telephone wires and posts on Kennedy Boundary Parkway. The grounds at Bok Tower Gardens are carpeted in cultivated gardens along with native landscape. Here you can find kestrels, nighthawks, pileated woodpeckers and loggerhead shrikes. Look for hummingbirds in spring and summer, and migratory songbirds in April and September through October.  

West Florida Section

Eagles, water birds and common songbirds make the Crystal River Archaeological State Park , a nice starter site for beginners. It is a small park with nice facilities and easy, paved trails through hardwoods attractive to songbirds in migration. The river view from the top of an ancient shell mound is excellent for scoping winter ducks and waders along the waterline year 'round. The oak hammock at Caladesi Island State Park , reveals songbird migrants and the shore shelters wintering shorebirds, like red knots and piping plovers, as well as breeders like American oystercatchers. A diversity of terns, gulls and waders are also present. This park is only accessible by boat; a ferry runs from neighboring Honeymoon Island State Park at regular intervals. Shired Island Beach access at the north end of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge offers trails through coastal hammock past mudflats and open beach good for everything from wintering shorebirds to shorebird migrants making landfall in spring. Dixie Mainline is a nine-mile driving/biking/walking road through pine flatwoods, bottomland heartwoods and marsh. Expect gorgeous wildlife viewing, but be aware that hunting use can be intense here in October and November, when biking and hiking are not advised. Fishbone Creek offers a platform vantage of salt marsh. Salt Creek has an ADA-accessible boardwalk to the marsh where bald eagles frequently nest. There is something to see here year 'round, but be prepared for biting insects in warm weather.  

Panhandle Section

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge is an extremely rustic refuge, "under-birded" in large part because it takes some effort to access it. Cross Indian Pass via the private ferry or in your own canoe. This barrier island is very large; prepare to hike the extensive sand roads or bring a bike. Be sure to pick up a map at the refuge office in Apalachicola, at the Indian Pass boat ramp, or download one online. Seaside sparrows populate the salt marsh on the east side of the island and interior wetlands host least bitterns and ducks, fodder for peregrine falcons and other raptors in migration. Oystercatchers and a variety of plovers nest on the beach (please respect areas closed for their protection), and the island's hammocks are a haven for returning songbird migrants in March and April. Three four-day hunts, one each in mid-November, mid-December and early January close the island to other uses. Upon entering Ochlockonee River State Park in Sopchoppy, ask at the gate for the locations of active red cockaded woodpecker cavities or recent sightings. Drive or walk the "scenic drive" road, watching for these pinewoods specialists, as well as pine warblers, eastern towhees and common yellowthroats. If you choose to launch a canoe here, ask at the gate about water levels and clearance. Prothonotary warblers and wood storks may be seen along the river, as well as skulking green herons, limpkins and least bitterns in the brushy margins. For early morning access, consider camping overnight and enjoy chuck will's-widows and screech owls after dark. St. George Island State Park is regularly rated one of Florida's most beautiful beaches, but what all the beachgoers don't realize is that it's spectacular for  bird watching , too. Bonaparte's gulls are reliable in winter and spring, snowy plovers and American oystercatchers nest here, and gull-billed terns cruise the beach in summer. Gannets plunge offshore October through March, and spring migrants like swallow-tailed kites, common nighthawks and herons can be seen arriving off the ocean in March and April. The sandhill trail from the camping area and the oaks surrounding the youth camp are both excellent spots for migrant songbirds like blue grosbeaks and scarlet tanagers in April. There's something to see year 'round, but birding is best and beach visitor numbers are lowest October through April.  

South Florida Section 

At Bahia Honda State Park , explore mangrove swamp, hardwood hammocks, salt marsh and sandy beaches, either on foot, bicycle or by boat. Bahia Honda is home to the gray kingbird, a large-billed songbird found along the Florida coast between March and October. Big Cypress National Preserve : This wild tract of both freshwater and mangrove swamp is one of the last refuges of the Florida panther. This is rough country, but you can bird by car. Keep an eye out for the snail kite, an endangered species which feeds exclusively on the apple snail. Everglades National Park : The legendary River of Grass is home to dozens of endangered and threatened species. Hopefully you will see a six-inch songbird, the Black-whiskered Vireo, a common visitor during the summer months.  

Tips, resources

Great Florida Birding Trail gurus suggest that you... o Ensure a successful trip by checking the trail guides in advance o Make sure you're visiting seasonal sites at the right time of year o Call ahead to visit sites that are accessible by appointment only o Be aware of birding etiquette o Be prepared with binoculars, water, insect repellant, sunscreen and your field checklist

PLACES TO REMEMBER

Crystal River

Apalachicola

Strategic alliance partners.

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• Wings Over Florida
• Kite Tales Newsletter

Fourteen New Sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

The results are in.

The Trail held open nominations for new sites between October 2022 and February 2023.

The best candidates were chosen based on four criteria:

1. Unique wildlife viewing opportunities and ecological significance

2. Educational opportunities

3. Access for the public

4. Resilience to recreational use

To experience all 14 new areas, check out the full list below:

Site Closures Due to Hurricanes Idalia and Ian

As of October 26, 2023 several of our GFBWT sites are still partially or totally closed for repair and restoration. Before planning a trip, please see the links below for status updates on impacted sites. If the site’s status is uncertain please call the numbers provided on the site's webpages for more information. This list will be updated periodically.

South Section Closures

Cayo Costa State Park (partial closures) 

Matanzas Pass Preserve

West Section Closures

Suwannee River State Park 

Twin Rivers State Forest (partial closures)

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park (partial closures)

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

It's your road to adventure.

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail.

Every year, millions of people, residents and visitors alike, participate in wildlife viewing activities, contributing billions of dollars to Florida’s economy*, but the ultimate goal of the Trail is to encourage conservation of Florida’s native habitats and species.

The Trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and is possible thanks to dozens of federal, state, and local government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private landowners.

*2011 Economic Benefits of Wildlife Viewing in Florida, Southwick Assoc.

Birding Florida

The southern peninsula is loaded with iconic and exotic species....

Areas in and around South Miami and Kendall for established exotics, and great wetlands at Green Cay and the Wakodahatchee Wetlands near West Palm Beach.

Areas near Lake Okeechobee for sandhill and wetland specialties including Sandhill Crane, Crested Caracara, Limpkin, and Snail Kite.

St. Sebastian River State Park for Bachman's Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and especially for the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

Many beautiful spots along the Gulf Coast including a full day at Fort De Soto Park, then to San Carlos Bay. We will traverse Everglades National Park, the ‘River of Grass’, from the Anhinga Trail to the village of Flamingo, and many of the beautiful spots along the way.

The entire length of the Florida Keys, including Key Largo, Big Pine Key, and Key West, with a SPECIAL DAY at Fort Jefferson on the world-famous Dry Tortugas!

Florida Tours

2024 Florida – South Florida Specialties and the Dry Tortugas

2025 florida – south florida specialties and the dry tortugas.

South Florida: Everglades & More!

Covid-careful car caravan small group with discount.

February 19 - 24, 2021

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• Know Before You Go

Find yourself far away from Florida’s bustling, tourist-packed theme parks on a Naturalist Journeys’ adventure that takes you deep into Florida’s wild side. South Florida is deservedly one of the classic birding destinations of the United States. Just barely above the Caribbean tropics, South Florida’s climate and geography isolate it from the rest of the country. Because of its geographically unique position, Florida is a crossroads between the temperate north and the sultry Caribbean south. Indeed, about a dozen bird species of West Indian origin reach the northern limits of their range here; many of these West Indian species live nowhere else in the United States. Winter is an especially wonderful season to visit. Unlike the rest of the country, the southern tip of Florida is warm and frost-free due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream. As a result, the southeast corner of the Sunshine state is home to an incredible assortment of vireos, flycatchers, raptors, shorebirds, and warblers–up to twenty-five warbler species in a winter season–in addition to all the wonderful herons, storks, spoonbills, and other waterbirds. Indeed, the excellence of winter birding in South Florida is one of North America’s secrets; winter is the time when the region’s avian diversity peaks. On this tour, we cover the southern third of the state in search of the many specialty and wintering birds on offer. We begin by exploring the justifiably famous and unique Everglades National Park, otherwise known as the River of Grass, in search of Short-tailed Hawk, Roseate Spoonbill, West Indian Manatee, American Crocodile, and more. A scheduled boat trip out onto Florida Bay allows us to experience a rich bounty of wintering shorebirds, herons, eagles, and perhaps even American Flamingo. We also spend time birding in Miami, a city with a decidedly Caribbean flair, in search of colorful exotics such as Spot-breasted Oriole, White-winged Parakeet, and Red-whiskered Bulbul, as well as native species like White-crowned Pigeon, Burrowing Owl, and a score of warblers. On the last leg of the main tour, we visit a series of well-planned wetlands in Palm Beach, where nearly all the Florida wetland specialties occur: Wood Stork, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin, and so much more. We also visit oak-scrub for Florida’s only endemic bird, the Florida Scrub-Jay.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale metro area for exotics from around the world, including Spot-breasted Oriole, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and White-winged Parakeet, among lush, tropical gardens and landscaping
• Discover subtropical sawgrass prairies, cypress domes, tropical hardwood hammocks, pinelands, and mangrove swamps of Everglades National Park
• Bird Florida Bay from the Flamingo Visitor Center in Everglades National Park to observe large concentrations of wintering shorebirds, waders, raptors, and maybe even American Flamingo
• Enjoy tropical bird species that occur nowhere else in the USA: Mangrove Cuckoo, Short-tailed Hawk, White-crowned Pigeon, and more
• Visit the unique Florida pineland ecosystem as we seek Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, and endemic wildflowers
• Wonder at the bustling heron and stork rookeries of Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands, where these birds display and nest at close range – yes, even in January!
• Spot Florida’s only endemic bird, the charismatic Florida Scrub-Jay, in its native oak-scrub habitat

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Feb. 19: Arrivals

You arrive today at Miami International Airport. Once the group has gathered, we enjoy a welcome dinner with an orientation before we depart on our birding adventure in the morning. Accommodations south of Miami at Kendall (D)

Sat., Feb. 20: Everglades National Park

Published in 1947, Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ The Everglades: River of Grass highlighted the uniqueness of the Everglades. Lying at the southern tip of the state, the Everglades is a vast subtropical sawgrass prairie broken only by cypress domes, tropical hardwood hammocks, pinelands, and mangrove swamps. There is nowhere else in the United States with such a decidedly tropical suite of habitats. Throughout the day we work along the length of the main park road that terminates in Flamingo, exploring these various habitats for several birds difficult to see anywhere else in the country such as Short-tailed Hawk and Wood Stork, along with a strong supporting cast of various wintering songbirds such as Black-throated Blue, Pine, Black-throated Green, Prairie, and Magnolia Warbler. American Crocodile and West Indian Manatee are possible at the marina in Flamingo. The highlight of the day will be a scheduled boat trip out onto Florida Bay, where we will be able to access extensive mudflats that host hundreds of waterbirds and raptors: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Roseate Spoonbill, Great ‘White’ Heron, Reddish Egret, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, Wilson’s Plover, Black Skimmer, and so many more. If we are lucky, we might even see American Flamingo! Accommodations south of Miami at Kendall (B,L,D)

Sun., Feb. 21: Miami Metro Area

The nearly tropical climate and exotic vegetation of the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale metropolitan area offers a unique landscape of opportunity for a myriad of introduced bird species from all over the world. We spend the morning in Miami exploring this urban landscape in search of exotics such as Spot-breasted Oriole, White-winged Parakeet, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and Common Myna. However, introduced species are only a small fraction of the avifauna of Miami, a county which claims one of the longest bird lists east of the Mississippi River. The parks and preserves peppered throughout the city provide habitat for a wide array of both resident and wintering species that include White-crowned Pigeon, Piping Plover, Burrowing Owl, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Summer Tanager, Bronzed Cowbird, Loggerhead Shrike, and so many more. Accommodations south of Miami at Kendall (B,L,D)

Mon., Feb. 22: Tamiami Trail | Green Cay | Wakodahatchee Wetlands

This morning, we travel along the road that skirts the northern edge of Everglades National Park—Tamiami Trail. Open sawgrass prairie north of the road regularly holds small numbers of Snail Kite, and we make several stops along the way to get good views of one. As we continue westward, the habitat quickly changes over to bald cypress forest. The trees are covered in a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids, and other epiphytic plants, making for a very picturesque and lush scene. After a delicious lunch in Miami, we head north to Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands, two artificially created wetlands that host nearly all of Florida’s wetland specialties: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Least Bittern, Limpkin, Gray-headed Swamphen, and Purple Gallinule. The rookeries at Wakodahatchee Wetlands should be very active at this time of year, providing excellent photo opportunities of nesting Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, Wood Stork, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and others. Accommodations at the Hampton Inn, Juno Beach (B,L,D)

Tues., Feb. 23: Jonathan Dickinson State Park | Palm Beach

After an early breakfast, we drive to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The pine flatwood and oak-scrub communities in this lovely park are more typical of Central Florida. As a result, several species reach the southern limit of their distribution here, such as Bachman’s Sparrow and the endemic Florida Scrub-Jay. Other species we should encounter as we explore this part of Florida include Wood Duck, Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, and Sandhill Crane. We will also be able to see Hobe Mountain, which is the highest natural point south of Lake Okeechobee at 86 feet above sea level! Later in the day, we visit a couple of sites to the south in Palm Beach County for some additional birding: Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Okeeheelee Park, and Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge all offer a slightly different mix of species depending on habitat and prevailing water levels. Along with large numbers of herons, egrets, and other large waders, we have more chances to see American Bittern, Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite, King Rail, Hooded Merganser, and more. Accommodations at the Hampton Inn, Juno Beach (B,L,D)

Wed., Feb. 24: Departures

After some morning birding at a coastal site or two as we make our way back south, the main tour ends at Miami International Airport. Please schedule departing flights around noon or later. (B)

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the main journey is $1995 DBL / $2395 SGL based on double occupancy, from Miami, FL (MIA). This cost includes: accommodations for five nights, most meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), airport welcome and transfer or hotel shuttle, land transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost does not include: round-trip airfare to and from Miami, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or personal services. With fewer than 6 participants, a small-group surcharge (typically $100 – $300 per participant) may apply, or we may request that you pick up the cost of a few additional dinners in lieu of this surcharge.

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

The arrival airport for this tour is Miami International Airport (MIA) in Miami, FL. Please plan to arrive in Miami no later than 3:00 PM on February 19. Plan on departures after noon on February 24.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Florida & Keys

• Species List
• Trip Report

Guide and client-favorite Carlos Sanchez has deep experience guiding in Central and South America (and in Spain!) for Naturalist Journeys. Carlos has also birded Thailand many times and he guides for us there as well. Before joining us, he was a resident guide in both Brazil and in Ecuador. A Miami native and Northern Virginia resident, he leads the new-and-notable Homestead, FL, Christmas Bird Count, is active in the Tropical Audubon Society and contributes to the blog 10,000 Birds.

Other trips with Carlos Sanchez

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
• Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at [email protected] .
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance .
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain . It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.   You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at [email protected] or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Photo credits: Banner: Roseate Spoonbills by Carlos Sanchez; Black Skimmers by Carlos Sanchez; Florida Scrub Jay by Carlos Sanchez; Bachman's Sparrow, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Prairie Warbler by Carlos Sanchez; Everglades National Park, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Swallow-tailed Kite, Carlos Sanchez; Reddish Egret, Carlos Sanchez; White-winged Parakeets by Carlos Sanchez; Purple Gallinule, Carlos Sanchez; Mangrove Cuckoo by Carlos Sanchez; American Crocodile by Carlos Sanchez; Anhinga by Greg Smith; Zebra Longwing by Carlos Sanchez; Black-and-white Warbler by Carlos Sanchez; Burrowing Owls by Carlos Sanchez; Painted Bunting, Carlos Sanchez; Florida Scrub-Jay by Carlos Sanchez; Wilson's Plover by Carlos Sanchez; Savannah Sparrow by Carlos Sanchez; Sandhill Crane by Carlos Sanchez; Blue-headed Vireo by Carlos Sanchez; Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake by Carlos Sanchez; Common Buckeye by Carlos Sanchez; Black-throated Green Warbler by Carlos Sanchez.

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