The best first resource for birding all of Florida is The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail (GFBWT). For sites near Marco Island, visit the following links from the GFBWT:
#1 Shark Valley, K78 - Birds are so confiding. Purple Gallinule close. We did the 15 mile bike loop trail. It was long, but unique. However, best birds are within walking distance of the visitor center.
#2 Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, J75 - Best part of this state park is the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk Trail. It is an isolated remnant of old growth Cypress that is truly magnificent. Easily viewed Bald Eagle nest site for Dec to Feb visits.
#3 Tigertail Beach Park, I73 - We had 5 species of Plover in one visit, Wilson's, Piping, Snowy, Semipalmated, and Black-bellied. Again, all birds so confiding. Visit early morning at low tide if possible, but late afternoon also works. Walk north from the access. If it gets mucky, you can find some minimal trails back through the mangroves to some tail grassy paths, and get back to sandy flats. No need for a scope, but bring your camera!
#4 Eagle Lakes Community Park, I70 - Most all herons very close, Wood Storks and Osprey close, easy walking on paved path. Best early and NOT on weekend.
- I70. Eagle Lakes Community Park
- I71. Picayune Strand State Forest: Sabal Palm Hiking Trail
- I72. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
- I73. Tigertail Beach Park
- I74. Collier-Seminole State Park
- J75. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
- J76. Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center
- J77. Big Cypress National Preserve
- K78. Everglades National Park: Shark Valley Visitor Center
#1 Shark Valley, K78 - Birds are so confiding. Purple Gallinule close. We did the 15 mile bike loop trail. It was long, but unique. However, best birds are within walking distance of the visitor center.
#2 Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, J75 - Best part of this state park is the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk Trail. It is an isolated remnant of old growth Cypress that is truly magnificent. Easily viewed Bald Eagle nest site for Dec to Feb visits.
#3 Tigertail Beach Park, I73 - We had 5 species of Plover in one visit, Wilson's, Piping, Snowy, Semipalmated, and Black-bellied. Again, all birds so confiding. Visit early morning at low tide if possible, but late afternoon also works. Walk north from the access. If it gets mucky, you can find some minimal trails back through the mangroves to some tail grassy paths, and get back to sandy flats. No need for a scope, but bring your camera!
#4 Eagle Lakes Community Park, I70 - Most all herons very close, Wood Storks and Osprey close, easy walking on paved path. Best early and NOT on weekend.
