OMG! Huge question with books written on this topic.
I'd be happy to help. But also search thru the Nature and Wildlife Forum where this question comes up periodically (including by me).
How much time?
When?
Traveling the state or based in a specific area?
Anything you are looking for?
OK, now the basics.
Anhinga Trail, Everglades NP Homestead entrance.
Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Boynton Beach/Delray (southeast coast)
Little Estero Lagoon (a tiny spot), Ft Myers Beach. You will need info to find this
Merritt Island NWR, mid-coast Atlantic. Adjacent to Cape Canaveral.
And on and on.
PM me if you want more info.
I will be going to Green Cay, Wako, Merritt Island at some point next week.
Scott
Go to the Florida Birding Trail website, www.floridabirdingtrail.com, and you can get birding information on any area of Florida. I find Ft Myers has a lot in the area if you are only going to one location.
Anywhere! ding darling and corkscrew swamp are classics. Everglades is nice cause you got loads of gators. My favorite is the springs in northern Florida, not as birdy as the SW options but really beautiful. Just go before the whole state is one big stripmall...
If you're near Titusville / Virea, hit Ritch Grissom Wetlands. It's literally behind a waste treatment plant, but it's got some of the best birding around. I have way more luck there than Ding Darling.
Another vote for Green Cay and Wakodahatchee near Delray Beach. Ive been going there every year and never been let down. I would also do a search in the wildlife forum because ive seen the same question recently.
Order the American Birding Association's guide to Florida. It is a whole book that answers this question. Short answer for me would be Sanibel or Merritt Island.
