eco pond

As a photographer I've had some really good mornings at Eco pond. On our most recent visit only about 20-30% of the time did we find enough bird life to justify the drive from Florida City. I believe the number of birds in the everglades has been on the decrease the past several years. Several rangers I talked to agreed. One morning the Eco pond looked like a "national graphic" photo. On four other visits, it had few or no birds. You should look for the nesting Osprey in the area. There is one located very near the campground

At first you see white birds, lots of them, swimming, wading, stalking dinner in the shallows, riding the currents in the sky above. As you watch closely...bring binoculars...you notice the swimmers are huge white pelicans and as they take to the sky with 10 foot wingspans, you marvel at their grace. The waders are small ibis with curved beaks, small egrets with pointy beaks, tall egrets with yellow feet that they wiggle in the water and great white herons, wading majestically as they wait for prey. This is a short flat walk accessible for all.

I remember Eco Pond when the air was shell-pink from all the roseate spoonbills in flight. This most recent trip, we did not spot a single bird hanging out; some birds passed by overhead. Many butterflies. Some mosquitoes. Everything looked still and abandoned.

If you enjoy birds and wildlife, bring binoculars and camera. Definitely don't forget bug spray! Got eaten alive as soon as I stepped out of my car lol. On nature walks, I always take a little backback with essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, maps, etc. And if you can time it, try to go when birds and wildlife more active in the morning and at dusk. Even though I visited at mid-day, there were fun wading birds and colorful butterflies to enjoy in their natural habitat. Really wanted to spot the special Roseate Spoonbill from all the gorgeous photos posted online, but it was not to be for me that fine December day. Just off the main road on your right a little past the Flamingo Visitor Center, Eco Pond provides a super easy trail for all ages to enjoy birds and wildlife in their natural habitat! I visited just before the Christmas holiday rush started, so I enjoyed the tranquil trail mostly to myself. Due to its convenient location, others walked the trail at the same time but we were spread apart enough. If it were busier with noisy kids, I would have skipped and headed to a different trail.

This is a nice little walk around a large pond, if you like to see birds. We saw ospreys, lots of Black-Necked Stilts, and other interesting birds.

need I say more, for the bird watcher this is a must see and it does not disappoint, beware of the smaller flying inhabitants that can make your stay miserable

We saw two egrets cavorting together and some coots in a group a ways from the path entrance, but this isn't much of a site. It's not worth the stop--at least not in March.

It's only about a 30-40 minute around the pond if you stop for the sites. The former viewing tower apparently was never rebuilt after the last hurricane but you'll still see a lot of wading birds as you walk around the pond (an old sewage treatment pond). Keep your heads up for Ospreys and Short-tailed Hawks, the latter a local specialty in fall and winter months. Roseate Spoonbills hang out here some months so check out the island where they like to perch. Chiggers common in the warmer months so use a spray on your ankles or sulphur powder on your socks. Lots of mosquitos when it's warm and not windy.

Let me say I enjoyed the visit here in May. I saw a Black-necked Stilt, Roseate Spoonbill and a nesting pair of Ospreys, not eagles. (Still very cool). However, I am sure this shallow pond was made for the winter and early spring when the shore birds are here to feed. While I know there are comments and pictures of an alligator, I did not see one. While I don't doubt they may venture here for an easy meal, I do not think it was the park's intent for gators as much for birds. Also when out of season, the path is more like a growing grassland to jungle. I walked parts but I'd not make the full circumference as it started looking snaky. Still I was glad I made the visit, the nesting Ospreys were worth it. I just do not know that you will want to spend much time out of season.

This location had views of many birds that were nesting alongside the pond. It was great to listen to all the noises they were making communicating with each other. Several had nests and were tending to their young. The shoreline area had several water birds walking around looking for fish. Really neat!

The pond doesn't have that much to view. We were that the nests in the trees were eagles, didn't get to see them to verify that. But just to have the chance on seeing an eagel in its natural habitat makes the visit worth the walk.

We got out and toured the pond. Compared to most of the other attractions in Everglades this one was a bit tame. The trail was really just a mowed grass area and the pond was very shallow. A few pretty birds, but when we were there before sunset, really not much wildlife. The pond and surrounding areas really were not that impressive. I'd only recommend if you find yourself with an hour to kill or are camping nearby.

a nice loop trail around a small pond with many interesting birds. decent explanatory signage, but even better with a Park Ranger docent!

You can skip the Eco Pond, and won't really miss much. I guess its the most disappointing of all the wildlife areas in the park. Although it can vary by seasonal times, I guess.

I since heard that due to the hurricanes Eco Pond was badly affected. It was rather hot when we arrived and that didn't make walking around in the heat too attractive. Visually, the area was not as appealing as prior reviews stated.