Getaways to the authentic Florida
Informative articles about Florida wildlife, Florida panther, shorebirds, birds, alligators, fish, redfish, oysters, clams, grouper, snapper, cranes, eagles, vultures.
Orlando Wetlands Park is a must-stop for birders and wildlife fans. It’s home to over 100 roseate spoonbills, 1,700 alligators and 200 species of bird. A 5,000 square foot visitor just opened with exhibits and live animals on display. The park is only 20 minutes off I-95.
A Fernandina Beach family festival Nov. 7-8 raises awareness of right whales and how to help them. Endangered right whales are viewed close to shore in North Florida every winter.
Renting a houseboat in Everglades National Park lets you glide into the wilderness of Whitewater Bay and experience its splendor at dawn, at sunset and marvel at its starry skies. Fishermen will love it, but even without fishing, there’s plenty to enjoy.
No matter how many times I see them, the sight of a white pelican, bald eagle or an otter will make my day. These spots are favorites for providing reliable views of animals in beautiful settings.
On their 2,000-mile fall migration, thousands of monarchs stop in Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle in October and November. A top viewing site is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a half hour south of Tallahassee. There is a monarch festival at the refuge Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
The Dora Canal could be the prettiest one mile you’ll paddle in Florida. The waterway connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis in Tavares, just west of Mount Dora.
Key West has a lot of off-beat charms, but one of my favorites has always been the chickens that you hear crowing and see strutting everywhere. But don’t feed them! It’s now against the law. Learn about the fascinating feral fowl that are part of Key West’s funky charm.
Your drive down the Overseas Highway can be your own personal Florida Keys Road Trip for Animal Lovers. From endangered Key deer to colorful Key West chickens, here are eight places to delight in the animals and wildlife of the Florida Keys.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is big, beautiful & full of birds. From majestic bald eagles to friendly scrub jays, it offers awe-inspiring experiences, especially in winter when migratory birds gather here.
Colt Creek State Park is a former cattle ranch tucked into a corner of the massive Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve near Lakeland with camping, hiking, fishing, bicycle trails and an equestrian campground.
With Florida’s first chill, the manatees are returning to springs and rivers. Here are a few locations where you have a good chance of admiring these charming creatures — and even kayaking with them.
Florida is home to its own unique turkey subspecies — found nowhere else in the world.