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Description:
The park anchors the southern tip of Key Biscayne, a barrier island just
south of Miami. After Hurricane Andrew leveled 98 percent of the trees
(mostly nonnative Australian pine) in the park in 1992, a massive native
habitat restoration effort was launched to recreate beach dune, coastal
strand, maritime hammock and freshwater and tidal wetlands. Visitors may
walk the 1.2-mile sandy beach, pedestrian-only nature trail, or other paths.
Watchable Wildlife:
Shorebird migration in late summer is a good time to see plovers, ruddy
turnstones, sanderlings, willets and other species on the beach. Wading
birds and marsh rabbits are common in the freshwater wetlands. Butterflies
and dragonflies are found throughout the park. Magnificent frigatebirds and
gray kingbirds are regularly spotted in the summer. Early morning visits
Tuesday through Friday provide the best viewing opportunities at this busy
park. IMPORTANT NOTE: give nesting shorebirds a wide berth and heed any posted signs that
restrict access to bird or sea turtle nesting areas.
Ownership:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Contact:
(305) 361-8779
Directions:
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on Key Biscayne. From Miami,
take I-95 to the Rickenbacker Causeway, all the way to the end.
Related Sites:
Other South East Florida Wildlife Sites
Florida State
Parks |
Wildlife Viewing Site
