Day 1: Arrival and Atlantic Coast Birding
Your birding adventure begins in Miami, where you will explore the Atlantic Coast, particularly the areas around Miami and the Palm Beach Area. This region is known for its rich avifauna, including the Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite, and the occasional sighting of the Smooth-billed Ani. The afternoon will be spent driving across the state towards the Gulf Coast, with stops at various birding hotspots along the way.
Day 2: Gulf Coast and Fort Myers
The second day focuses on the Gulf side of the peninsula, with birding activities centered around Fort Myers. Here, you will search for shorebirds such as Snowy, Piping, and Wilson’s Plovers, American Oystercatcher, and Willet. The late afternoon and evening will be spent exploring the coastal areas, taking in the diverse marine and coastal birdlife.
Day 3: Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area and Tamiami Trail
An early start takes you to the Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, a vast tract of land with various habitats including Florida slash pine. This area is a favorite of several special bird species. After a morning of exploring, you will drive north back towards Miami, stopping at state parks and preserves in the Florida Keys to look for species such as the Bald Eagle and migrant songbirds.
Day 4: Exploring the Florida Keys
This day is dedicated to the Florida Keys, where you will visit sites like the National Key Deer Refuge to see the miniature Key Deer. The itinerary is flexible to allow for chasing reported rarities and checking e-bird reports for any special sightings. You will also explore various state parks and preserves, looking for Caribbean strays and other unique bird species.
Day 5: Final Birding and Return to Miami
The final day of your trip includes optional early morning birding to catch any species you may have missed. You will then return to Miami, stopping at any last-minute birding spots before heading to the airport for your departure. This day also offers a chance to visit places like the Everglades National Park, Big Pine Key, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
Key Birding Locations and Species
Throughout your trip, you will visit several key birding locations, including Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These sites are home to a wide range of bird species, including the Florida Scrub-Jay, King and Clapper Rails, Reddish Egret, and Roseate Spoonbill. You will also have the opportunity to see seabirds, migrants, and introduced species, making for a diverse and rewarding birding experience