Birds of Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress, FL (72 degrees, clear blue skies)

Great Egret

 

There is more to Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades National Park than alligators.  Although alligators are probably the most popular residents there is so much more. Animals, birds, butterflys, reptiles, and yes no seen ums are abundant. We love birds and snapped these pictures with JC and Bev during our week stay. 

 

Snowy Egret

 

 

 

We had lots of fun identifying them (let us know if we mis-identified any of them). Some of the best bird watching is seen while driving along the Loop Road, Turner River, Upper Wagonwheel and Birdon Road loop drives.  We took our jeep on these gravel roads but a 4 wheel drive isn't necessary but count on getting your vehicle dusty.  Be sure to stop often and just listen and watch.  The visitor center will give you an excellent brochure for each of these road trips.

 

 

Tri-Color Heron

 

 

Bev had a cool app on her phone that mimicked some of the bird calls which also helped identify some of the birds. 

 

 

Anihinga

  

A good set of binoculars is essential. Bev and I used a point and shot Panasonic Lumix camera. The photos turned out pretty good for a very reasonable and easy to use camera.




Little Blue Heron

 

Red Shouldered Hawk

 

 

Red Shouldered Hawk

 

 

Brown Pelican

 

 

 

Wood Storks and Ibis

 

 

Tri-Color Heron





Wood Storks

 

 

Great Egrets (bllack and white photo)



Anihinga drying his feathers

 

 

Purple Gallinule (rare)

 

 

Ibis

 

 

Glossy Ibis

Great Egret

 

 

Hitchhiking Brown Pelican (air boat tour)

 



John and the "Iron Heron"

 



 

Stop back tomorrow for our visit to Shark Valley.   Happy bird watching!