Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park

          The Anhinga Trail is the premier wildlife viewing trail in Everglades National Park.  This wheelchair accessible trail follows a series of raised boardwalks through the sawgrass marsh.

The trail starts behind the Royal Palm Visitor Center, four miles from the main park entrance.  This is a short and easy trail - perfect for those without the time for more extensive hiking or canoeing in the park.  You’re guaranteed to see alligators and a variety of birds along this trail.

            I have walked the Anhinga Trail on two separate visits to Everglades NP and I recommend visiting the trail on a weekday in February an hour or so before dusk.  The following pictures were taken on just such a day.

For more information on the Anhinga Trail visit this site:  

http://www.protrails.com/trail.php?trailID=260

Here is a sobering thought, taken from the Everglades NP website: 

"Did You Know?
In the 1800s John James Audubon noted that the sky was often darkened by the flocks of numerous birds above. Since the early 20th century, around 93% of the wading bird population has vanished. Much of the wildlife left in south Florida depends on Everglades National Park for a home."

If you haven’t yet visited Everglades National Park, plan your trip here:  

http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/index.htm

Green Heron

Photos from the Anhinga Trail:
click on a photo to enlarge

Great Blue Heron

Alligator Spa

Little Blue Heron and reflection.

White Ibis

Smiling Alligator

Tricolored Heron

See You Later, Alligator.

Wood Stork

Anhinga Mom with Chicks.

Anhinga Dad

Mmmm - that fish was good.