Where should I go iNatting while visiting relatives in Deerfield Beach Florida next week (Jan 16-21st)? I will have a rental car, so can reach many spots, but prefer to drive less.
I have been to that area several times before, and my very first Observation was at Wakodahatchee Wetlands, which I will absolutely go back to. I’ve also previously rented a canoe at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and I’ll do that again either there or somewhere (open to suggestions).
I might just drive down to Everglades National Park, which I interned in many years ago, but it is a lot of driving for one person.
My primary goals will be to relax some, experience nature, and take decent photos. I like to meet other naturalists, so it doesn’t need to be unknown and hard to reach. I tend to focus on tetrapods and the bigger and more obvious arthropods and plant, but I’m interested in almost everything.
Your input would be appreciated!
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I recommend the Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands, which can easily be combined with another visit to Loxahatchee NWR and/or Wakodahatchee Wetlands. If you are interested in Burrowing Owls, there is Owls Lookout Park, but the park is pretty uneventful otherwise, could be combined with a visit to Plantation Preserve for Spot-breasted Oriole. Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center is also near there, but I’ve never been.
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If you’re willing to drive about an hour north, you could explore some Florida scrub and scrubby flatwoods habitats—they’re quite unique xeric communities with many endemic species. Can recommend Juno Dunes, Jupiter Ridge, and (especially) Jonathan Dickinson SP (which has canoe rental btw).
Maybe obvious, but the beaches of SE Florida (both Atlantic and intracoastal) have a wealth of stuff, especially birds and molluscs (and whatever else washes up on shore). I like Witherington’s Florida’s Living Beaches as a good guide to what you can find.
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Everglades National Park or Fakahatchee. worth the drive
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