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Myakka River State Park - Sarasota, FL

The Myakka River State Park is Florida's largest state park at 28,876 acres. The park is host to about 200 different bird species as well as White-tailed Deer, Wild Turkey, Sandhill Cranes and Black River Otter. Located just south of Sarasota on Florida's west coast, the park is on one of the major bird migration routes. Even though birding is great all year, the best times are from late fall through spring.

The park offers the following:

• A 7 mile paved road for driving or bicycling.
• An easy 1.5 mile bird walk where you may see White and Glossy Ibis, Great Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egret, other wading birds as well as Snipe and a host of Warblers.
• Canoe rentals are available at the small concession stand.
• 39 miles of back country trails
• Interpretive Center
• Wildlife and nature tours by tram and boat
• Cabin rentals

DIRECTIONS:

Just south of Sarasota, on Interstate 75, take exit 205. Travel east on Florida Highway 72 nine miles to the park entrance.

There is a nominal entrance fee for park use.

Other interesting sights include:

• Bald Eagles
• Gopher Tortoises
• Limpkin
• Owls
• Bobcats
• Alligators
• Wood Duck
• Pin-tailed Duck
• Ring-necked Duck

INFORMATION

For more information: Call the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (831) 361-6511, or visit Myakka State Park

Remember if you've visited the area and have seen some interesting bird and wildlife sights drop us an email and we'll pass it along.

Thanks for visiting the Central Florida Bird Watcher's Web Site.

For a more complete listing of birds in the Central Florida area click here:  Central Florida Bird Lists

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