Big Cypress National Preserve
Ochopee, FL
This 729,000 acre national preserve is part of the Everglades ecosystem and borders Everglades National Park to the north. Much of the habitat consists of grasslands and marshes.
Specialty Species:
Waders: All species of waders can occur throughout the property.
Snail Kite: Watch for this kite hunting in any of the marsh habitat throughout the property.
Swallow-tailed Kite: Watch for this kite on all the county roads soaring over the many swamps on the preserve.
Purple Gallinule: The Gallinule occurs throughout the property, most commonly in marsh habitat. Look in the roadside ditches along the county roads.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker: This woodpecker occurs in the pinelands on the preserve. There are 300-400 known clusters. They are most easily observed in the early morning when they are leaving their nesting cavities to feed in the surrounding areas. Check the Pine Rocklands to find this species.
Brown-headed Nuthatch: This nuthatch can be found in the same habitat as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
Where to Bird:
- CR 841, 839, and 838
- Loop Road
- Visitor Center Trail
- The Pine Rocklands
CR 841, 839, and 838: These roads are very good for finding wading species in the swamps. Watch for Barred Owls and Swallow-tailed Kites from the road too. Sedge and Marsh Wren and both Bitterns also occur along the roads.
Loop Road: This road is similar to all of the county roads. Look for the same species and also Limpkin on this road.
Visitor Center Trail: Watch for all wading species, Barred Owl, Swallow-tailed Kite, and Limpkin along the trail.
The Pine Rocklands: This area is located just west of Pinecreast on Loop Road. It is one of the best areas to find Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Brown-headed Nuthatches.Hours:
None
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Much of the area is inaccessible, but a few roads that are good for birding run through the property.
Trails:
There are two trails, one that is over 30 miles long.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
Lenght of Visit:
Half or full day visit is recommended
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the East: From the intersection of Florida Turnpike and US-41 in Miami, take US-41/Tamiami Trial West. After 27.5 miles, turn left (south) onto Loop Road. You are now in Big Cypress National Preserve.
From the West: From the intersection of Collier Boulevard and US-41/Tamiami Trial in Naples, take US-41/Tamiami Trail East. After 40.9 miles, turn right (south) onto Loop Road. You are now in Big Cypress National Preserve.
Address:
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141
Nearby Birding: