The Flamingo visitor area is at the very end of the Main Park Road running 38 miles from the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park. Pink buildings marking the Flamingo visitor center and marina store can been seen upon arrival.

Depending on whether you take advantage of the boat tour or rental services offered by the Flamingo Adventures concessionaire, your time birding could be anywhere from one to a few hours, and in some cases an entire afternoon or day. Camping opportunities can expand your birding by multiple days.

Spring- Northward migration of songbirds and shorebirds peaks in April and May. Along the Guy Bradley Trail, resident Prairie Warblers forage alongside other warbler and vireo species stopping over on flights to breeding grounds in the northern United States. Sparrows may also be found in the coastal prairie scrub at the western end of the trail and around the Flamingo campground amphitheater. Additionally, look among foraging flocks of Brown-headed Cowbirds around the visitor parking areas for a Shiny Cowbird or two.

Summer- Although mosquitoes are most abundant during the summer and fall, this is the best time of year to look for hard-to-find resident birds, including Mangrove Cuckoo and Black-whiskered Vireo, which both breed in the mangrove habitats. Swallow-tailed Kites soar in large flocks hunting dragonflies over the open fields near the Flamingo entrance. White-crowned Pigeons may also be seen around the campground area.

Fall- The overlap of fall migration season and peak tropical weather season can result in massive fallouts of birds along the shores of Flamingo. Especially at high tide, look for beached seabirds and shorebirds, including Black Skimmer, Gull-billed Tern, Marbled Godwit, Wilson’s Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Willet, and various small sandpiper species near the campground amphitheater. An occasional Wilson’s Snipe may also be found in the coastal prairie scrub by the Flamingo tent camping area before the tent campsites are mowed for the winter.

Winter- The dry season brings higher wading bird activity and movement throughout the Flamingo area as birds follow the rise and fall of tides and inflow of freshwater for food. The coastal prairies around Flamingo and sometimes the mudflats in Florida Bay close by the camping area can host large mixed flocks of ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, herons and egrets. Look closely and you may find a Great White Heron, a white subspecies of the Great Blue Heron that within the United States is only found in coastal South Florida and the Keys. Large numbers of American White Pelicans also spend the winter on Florida Bay.

The Flamingo area trails are open 24 hours and can be accessed at any time.

Early morning is best for songbirds.

Wading birds like shorebirds, herons and egrets can be seen throughout the day, though their movements are largely dependent on tides. Check the Flamingo Visitor Center for updates on tidal predictions.

Pets are allowed in commercial campgrounds and parking areas, but not on walking trails, inside visitor centers or in wilderness areas.

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Flamingo Adventures offers a variety of tour, camping and rental services to enhance your birding experience.

The Guy Bradley Trail, Flamingo Visitor Center and campground are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Pets are not allowed on the walking trails with the exception of service animals.