FLORIDA – EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK – Shark Valley

Photo Experience:   Shark Valley is a special place and I recommend spending most of a day here. I have found a number of worthwhile photo ops here for a wide variety of birds and alligators. The wild animals in this area are more habituated to human presence than in many other locations. However, a significant amount of water here may contribute to seeing less wildlife. (More water means that birds and gators are likely to be more widely distributed.) Morning is the best time to be at this location, with the sun coming from behind you to provide light on the subjects along the canal that is east of the Visitor Center. I do not recommend using the tram as a means to photograph. Between the vibration, stopping, starting, inablity to change your position . . . well, you understand.

Other Info:   Shark Valley is located about 37 miles west of Miami along US 41. An entrance fee, or appropriate federal pass, is required to get in. Besides selling tickets for the tram, the Visitor Center also rents bicycles and has restrooms. There are also a few picnic tables in the area.


&spspspsp..;Black-crowned Night Heron - Shark Valley Area - Everglades National Park, Florida&spspspsp;Alligator - Shark Valley Area - Everglades National Park, Florida


&spspspspspspsps; Little Blue Heron - Shark Valley Area - Everglades National Park, Florida&spspspspspspsps;Green Heron - Shark Valley Area - Everglades National Park, Florida


&spspspsp..;Red-bellied Turtle - Shark Valley Area - Everglades National Park, Florida&spspspsp;Anhinga (male) in breeding plumage - Shark Valley Area - Everglades National Park, Florida


&spspspsp;Purple Gallinule - Shark Valley area - Everglades National Park, Florida&spspspspsp;Great Blue Heron with Catfish - Shark Valley area - Everglades National Park, Florida


&spspspsp;American Alligator - Shark Valley area - Everglades National Park, Florida&spspspspsp;Female Anhinga - Shark Valley area - Everglades National Park, Florida