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!



Sense of Adventure Required–Turner River Canoe Trip

 

Big Cypress National Preserve, FL (76 degrees, blue skies)



JC helping to unload the canoes

 

 

Heart of the Swamp Canoe Trips – 10:00 am (4–5 hours). We’ll provide canoes and equipment, or bring your own. Come prepared with water, lunch, binoculars, sun protection, insect repellent and a sense of adventure. Trips vary by weather, water level, tide and ranger’s choice of location and duration. Knowing canoeing basics is helpful. Reservations required

Can you see the alligator?

About a week prior to our arrival at Big Cypress we checked out the ranger led tours available on the website and reserved this canoe trip. We certainly have a sense of adventure but not enough to go canoeing in the alligator infested swamps by ourselves.  Having a ranger along sounded like a really good idea. 

 

One BIG gator

 

 

Good idea…look closely at  the picture  above…there is one BIG alligator lurking in the foliage. This is where our group of canoes gathered to start on the adventure.  With that being said our ranger assured us the alligators would not bother us as long as we did not get too close or interfere with any of their babies. Can do! Now let's get going!!!

 

Ranger telling us about the river

After a few minutes my nerves settled down and this trip turned out to be one of the best paddling trips I’ve experienced.  We had a nice group of fairly experienced paddlers and everyone quietly observed the splendor all around us.  

 

Looking at the osprey nest

Osprey nest



Our very enthusiast ranger. 

The highlight was canoeing through two long mangrove tunnels.  We had to duck and slowly weave our way through the maze. It was so beautiful deep inside the mangroves.  The pictures only really give you a glimpse.

 

Entering the mangrove tunnel





 



 

 

 



 

 

Look closely at all the air plants (or bromeliads) hanging above us.  The roots of these plants attach themselves to the mangrove but do not harm it in anyway. They collect water, insects, and other nutrients in the center of the plant. It was so beautiful and a wonder to behold. 

 



After we passed through the two tunnels we were suddenly out in the prairie grasses. We stopped at a bank for lunch and to stretch our legs. 

Many of these photographs were taken by my friend Bev. She seemed to be better at shooting pictures and ducking the mangrove branches.  Here she is with JC kicking back after a great trip. 

 

 

JC and my BFF Bev

It was an amazing day and oh did I mention the five hour canoe trip was free including our canoes, gear, and two ranger guides. Thank you so much for sharing your back yard with us.  Be sure to check out the ranger tours when visiting a National Park.