Everglades Advice

Probably the best plaee to start looking is here:

http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/index.htm

Other than that, I can only suggest two things:
1. Don't go in the water.
2. Don't read any of Carl Hiaasen's novels before you go.

(Sorry, couldn't resist...)

Thanks. I hear ya on both accounts. : )

Chuck

You might want consider one of the Photograph America newsletters about the Everglades.

http://www.photographamerica.com/

Thanks, Lewis.

Anhinga trail just inside the south (Florida City) entrance is always popular. Best to get there early- sunrise is good. Tourists clog things up later in the morning. You can continue on to Flamingo for a couple of other popular spots. Mrazek Pond is a good spot for spoonbills, etc.

North end of the park has Shark Valley...

Wildlife concentrations will depend on the water level in the 'Glades. If the level is high the animals tend to disperse. If it's low there tends to be a higher concentration if interesting things at the popular spots.

See photo.net's article on Everglades photography at http://photo.net/learn/nature/everglades

Thanks, Bob.

Don't know what it might be like now (last time I was through there was several years ago), but if you've got the time and can do it, a drive through of Big Cypress might get you some pretty decent photo-ops.
These directions assume you've got a road map, are checking the route beforehand, and're driving.
Take US41 West (pick it up right outside the Shark Valley entrance). About halfway along (give or take a couple of miles) on the right side you'll see the "Oasis Ranger Station\Visitors Center". Good place for a pit stop, get info, p\u some extra bug repellant if you need it, etc.
Little bit further (on the left) is the turnoff for Local Route 94. Basically, it is (or was) 20 something miles of bad road that takes you through the preserve and back towards Shark Valley. Otters, Gators, Birds, Turtles, etc. Could be buggy so don't forget the Deet....Izzy

Thanks, Ezra.

I just came back from the area last week. Anhinga Trail was great. Although the water is not too low yet, the nesting activity is in high gear. Great opportunities with Herons of many types, Anhingas, Egrets, Cormorants, Wood Storks, and various other birds.

Shark Valley is teeming with wildlife, but it does not open until 8:30 AM. You miss the best light. Still an interesting area, and close to Big Cypress so that you can do both in a day.

If you have the time, head up further north to Wakodahatchee. Very small area with an incredible concentration of herons and egrets. And Green Cay is just about 1 mile from there, so more opportunity. Green Cay had several hawks the one morning I was over there.