Posted by Tom Fitzgerald on January 26, 2004 at 15:12:51:
I am writing for some possible advice regarding an upcoming trip that myself, brother and mother have planned for Feb. 5-11. We do have a place to stay in Naples but certainly are considering staying a night or two outside of the area to lessen travel times. Looking for advice on where we can go or how long we should allow in visiting some of the areas.
Wondering if the following areas are too ambitious for the time we have:
Punta Gorda: Ponce de Leon Park/Fred Babcock/Cecil
Webb
Fort Meyers: Sanibel Island & Ding Darling
Bunche Beach
Naples: Briggs Nature Center
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Loxahatchee Refuge
Miami: Kendall, A.D. Barnes Park, Miami Springs
Everglades: Shark Valley, Eco Pond, Anhinga Trail, Mahogany Hammock
Key Largo State Botanical Reserve (?)
As we have never birded Florida, the question remains for us as to which areas are more productive (less overlap of species) as well as the time required at each site to do justice to the site visited. We are a group that can move right along if needed and have life lists into the 400's. Looking for a little guidance from someone who knows the area.
Would appreciate any information that you could provide us. Many thanks.