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Florida

When to catch Evergladesat its best

Everglades through the year: northbound songbirds and shorebirds at flamingo (local timing: in April and May) and winter birding at flamingo (at one spot: December through March). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.

Updated

About Everglades

What it is
A national park in Florida
A little history
In 1947, with the support of early conservationists, scientists and other advocates, to protect the landscape and its plants and animals from further harm.
What you'll see
Northbound songbirds and shorebirds at Flamingo · usual peak in April and MayWinter birding at Flamingo · December through March
Before you go
Can I bird from the water? Yes: an hour-and-a-half boat tour, or a rented canoe or kayak, can give excellent views of seabirds in areas you can't reach by land.What should I bring for the mosquitoes? In summer, extra protection: bug spray, long sleeves and a bug jacket; a full head net may be needed in some areas.Is the Guy Bradley Trail accessible? Yes: the trail, the Flamingo Visitor Center and the campground are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Pets aren't allowed on the walking trails, except service animals.
Sources (2)

RIGHT NOW · OCT 2

  • Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
  • This weekend (NWS)Beyond the 7-day forecast
  • Park alertsCheck the managing agency before you go

When are you going?

Fall at Everglades

Next peak here after fall

Remind me →

Where to go at Everglades

Spots, visitor points and places nearby
  • Spring
  • Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Best spots

Where each event's source says to go

  • Guy Bradley Trail

    Best spot

    Resident prairie warblers forage here alongside other warblers and vireos stopping over on their way north; a one-mile accessible trail from the visitor center to the campground

    Good for: Northbound songbirds and shorebirds at Flamingo · Winter birding at FlamingoNational Park Service ↗

  • Flamingo boat tour, canoe or kayak

    Best spot

    An hour-and-a-half boat tour, or a rented canoe or kayak, reaches coastal areas you can't walk to

    Good for: Northbound songbirds and shorebirds at FlamingoNational Park Service ↗

  • Eco Pond Trail

    Best spot

    A mowed-grass half-mile loop around Eco Pond, with coastal prairie views

    Good for: Winter birding at FlamingoNational Park Service ↗

Nearby, and when they peak

Straight-line miles; roads are longer

Worth the drive · more than 60 miles

Towns nearby

Straight-line miles; each town page has frost dates and its nature year

Frost dates: NOAA 1991–2020 normals at each town's nearest station. Snow possible: our calculation from NOAA normals. Photos show the nearest place we follow, named on the photo.

Questions people ask

When does spring migration peak at Flamingo?

It's at its height in April and May, as northbound songbirds and shorebirds pass through.Source: National Park Service, Birding at Flamingo ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Which warblers can I see on the Guy Bradley Trail?

Resident prairie warblers, foraging alongside other warblers and vireos that stop over on their flights to breeding grounds in the northern United States.Source: National Park Service, Birding at Flamingo ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I bird from the water?

Yes: an hour-and-a-half boat tour, or a rented canoe or kayak, can give excellent views of seabirds in areas you can't reach by land.Source: National Park Service, Birding at Flamingo ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When is the best time for birding at Flamingo?

December through March, when mosquitoes are low, though birds are active at Flamingo all year.Source: National Park Service, Birding at Flamingo ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages; checked Oct 2