Key West: My wife and I are leaving Thursday for the Everglades and Key West. I have Parkinson's and can't walk very far. My primary goal is photos, of birds in the glades. Anyone have...

dieseldave Loc: Davenport,IA

My wife and I are leaving Thursday for the Everglades and Key West. I have Parkinson's and can't walk very far. My primary goal is photos, of birds in the glades. Anyone have ideas about how to do this? I am guessing that air boats are kind of noisy. Also the Keys,
any birds around that place. I think we will be renting bikes there.
Thanx, DD

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

The best place in FL for your situation is the Corkscrew Bird sanctuary in Naples because there is a 21/4 mile boardwalk(that you can use a wheelchair on). I was just there an hour ago and photographed owls, storks, egrets, GBH, little blur herons, many gators, cardinals, purple bunting, carolina wren, ibis. I will certainly post the better shots when I get home tomorrow.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

dieseldave wrote:

My wife and I are leaving Thursday for the Everglades and Key West. I have Parkinson's and can't walk very far. My primary goal is photos, of birds in the glades. Anyone have ideas about how to do this? I am guessing that air boats are kind of noisy. Also the Keys,
any birds around that place. I think we will be renting bikes there.
Thanx, DD

There is a boat out of Everglades City that is larger, quieter and slower than an airboat.
If you are driving to Key West, there is the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in the town of Tavernier on Key Largo.
In Key West don't miss sunset at Mallory Square there are many street performers there to enjoy in addition to watching the sunset so get there early.
A good spot for lunch (and any time really) is the Schooner Wharf bar on William St. The Green Parrot on Whitehead St. often offers live jazz in the afternoons. Ernest Hemingway's house is also on Whitehead St. as is the original office of Pan American Airways.
Duval St. is the "main drag" and there is much going on there, but don't miss the things on other streets.

snfapm1983

Sunsets are always a big draw in the Keys. There are sections of the old 7 mile bridge, built by Flagler, which have now been repurposed for pedestrians. From that vantage point there's always wildlife, aquatic and birds.

Key West is an old city with many interesting buildings, local roosters and feral cats, and of course there are some very interesting local individuals.

Drive north on route 1 towards Marathon, and the views are panoramic from the roadway, so you may not even have to get out of the car. Big Pine Key has an indigenous Key deer population.

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

It's close to small but visit the 'Butterfly Conservatory' Go through the double doors and get ready to have butterflys on you and your wife. Many nice feeding stations also to catch shots. Go to BLue Heaven in old town for good eats also. At the wharfs, get over to the Conch Republic and eat the 'Royal Red Shrimp' which are deep water (600 to 800 feet) shrimp and fantastic.

Go on a Conch Train tour if you have the time.

Sarge69

Bobgood1 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Thanks for the good info. BB

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

In my opinion the best tour in the glades is Shark Valley on Rt 41 in the glades. Goggle it.

Bobgood1 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Thanks. BB

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

What a coincidence! I'm heading to Key West for a long weekend this Friday. Haven't been since 1990. Looking forward to it!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

dieseldave wrote:

My wife and I are leaving Thursday for the Everglades and Key West. I have Parkinson's and can't walk very far. My primary goal is photos, of birds in the glades. Anyone have ideas about how to do this? I am guessing that air boats are kind of noisy. Also the Keys,
any birds around that place. I think we will be renting bikes there.
Thanx, DD

http://www.audubon.org/bird-guide?ms=digital-acq-ppc-google-x-20160000_google_grant&gclid=CjwKEAjw8OLGBRCklJalqKHzjQ0SJACP4BHrxi42dNWtzMiO1KHjd1BpcdX8jUzn8V8sWOKcN_8V4xoCK2nw_wcB

dgingerich Loc: Cape Coral, FL

I would agree that Shark Valley is one of the best places in the Everglades. You can take the tram or ride bikes. Lots of birds and alligators.

dgingerich Loc: Cape Coral, FL

If you are coming to the west side of Florida, then as suggested, Corkscrew is excellent as was described.

IHH61 Loc: Homestead Fl

Also Anhinga Trail just inside the Homestead/Florida City Everglades National Park entrance. Lots of gators as well as birds. Make sure you prepare for mosquitoes

tigerbob Loc: MS Gulf Coast

Remember to post some photos, on here, when you return.

Long history, Down there and always enjoy fresh perspectives.

Enjoy !!!

zoomuin Loc: 3rd Rock from the Sun

On your way to Key West I highly recommend you get off at Big Pine which is between Marathon and Kew West. Drive into some side street west of US 41. Big Pine is the main residence for the Key deer. You will be well rewarded for this stop because the deer are used to seeing people so you will get some great shooting opportunities, just don't feed the deer. There are also numerous species of birds.
https://scontent-mia1-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17458337_109948189546253_3433563300500151413_n.jpg?oh=f04b8f3a877cd45d08be44679d7c027c&oe=59697BB6