Snake Road
Big Cypress, Broward/Hendry County

This is Florida's hinterlands. No beaches. No condo canyons. Open land and a lot of it. Snake Road is the last exit in Broward County traveling west on Interstate 75. It's unique in our compendium of places to go because it really isn't a singular destination. Rather, it's a lengthy stretch of road that offers sightings of some rare birds and more than a few alligators, some extremely large. Throw into the natural mix some history and culture as well.

Snake Road is bordered both by wetlands, cypress swamps, cattle ranches and rock mining operations. There are canals along each side of the road, which are teeming with birds, turtles and alligators. It passes through both the Miccosukee and Big Cypress Seminole reservations and ultimately through the village of Big Cypress. Great white egrets, cattle egrets, wood storks, anhingas, cormorants, little blue and big blue herons were common along the length. Also spotted: northern mockingbirds, a red-shouldered hawk, belted kingfishers and a glimpse of what might have been a night hawk. And, the jewel of the trip, the crested caracara.

Keep in mind that this is birding by car and requires a sharp eye with a focus on safety and courtesy first. You're not only looking for wildlife but what's on the road in front of you and what's coming up behind you. There are places to pull over safely off the road. The speed limit is 45 mph for most of the length but lowers to 30 within the village. And try to take time to visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ti Museum and other attractions on the Big Cypress Reservation.