Wildlife Viewing Site
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Description: The Fakahatchee Strand is part of the main drainage slough of the Big Cypress Swamp. To the south lies the estuarine wilderness of the Ten Thousand islands, which depends on the influx of fresh water from the slough. Here is North America's largest stand of native royal palms and the only cypress/royal palm forest. The strand is famous for its variety of orchids, as well as its rare ferns and bromeliads. There are swamp lakes, marl prairies, hammocks, and cypress domes throughout the preserve. In the southern part of the preserve are mangrove swamps, tidal creeks, and bays. There is one long boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend, as well as several trails on old logging tram roads. Janes Scenic Drive provides an excellent trip into the interior of the strand. Watchable wildlife: River otters, white-tailed deer, alligators, basking turtles, and an occasional bobcat can be seen by quiet, observant visitors. Florida panther, Florida black bear, Everglades mink, and wood storks are among the rare wildlife that inhabits the strand. Roseate spoonbills, white and glossy ibis, herons, and egrets roost and feed in the strand. Barred owls and red-shouldered hawks are both heard and observed regularly, as well as pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers. A pair of bald eagles nests near the Cypress Bend boardwalk in the spring.
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