John D. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
While much of the property lies underwater, this park contains 2,900 acres of magnificent mangrove swamps, hardwood hammocks, rivers, springs and coastal rocky areas. Birders will find the three short walking trails and the park’s coastal areas of interest for the variety of species they offer, including Gray Kingbirds, Short-tailed Hawks and such Keys specialties as Mangrove Cuckoo, Black-whiskered Vireo and White-crowned Pigeon. Walk or bike around the park, or put in a canoe from the boat launch for a different type of birding experience. Glass bottom boat tours of the reef can be good for pelagic species such as Northern Gannets, petrels and Sooty Terns. Be sure to ask about recent sightings at the visitor center, because this park has a propensity for attracting tropical vagrants, including Bahama Mockingbird and Thick-billed Vireo.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
Managing Agency
FL Dept. of Environmental Protection, Div. of Recreation and Parks
Operational Hours: 8am to sunset
Size: 63,919 acres
