Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Delray Beach

The Wakodahatchee Wetlands natural preserve deserves the highest rating, not just because foresighted conservationists reclaimed the land for a wildlife sanctuary in the middle of south Florida urban sprawl, but because of the beautiful experience. Raised boardwalks route the visitor through lake and swamp in an aesthetically pleasing layout. One can see a thriving assortment of large exotic birds nesting in the tree branches and turtles carefully plying shallow water with lurking alligators. Lizards scamper about amusing sightseers. Dragonflies buzz by indifferent to the spectators as do herons and egrets very low overhead.

Get there early for the roosting season (late March)- the p lit films quickly and away 9 am, there's a long wait for a parking spot! Unfortunately, people are there for a variety of reasons: There are those who are photographing, and those who are without camera bird watching. There are folks out for a jog/ walk and those who are out in small groups interested in birds as much as having a (loud) conversation... those are usually the snowbirds! Please pick up after yourself and enjoy our south Florida wildlife!