Emeralda Marsh Area 3 is a birding paradise! On recent visits, we have been fortunate enough to capture images of Great Blue Herons, Anhingas, Bald Eagles, Grackles and Snowy Egrets.We look forward to returning throughout the year to see even of these spectacular specimens.All photos courtesy of Louise and Alan Chen :)

The views were amazing and there were so many birds to watch and photograph. The winter time is the time to visit this nature preserve when so many birds are wintering.

I'm a wildlife photographer that manages to visit many wetland and wildlife areas around Florida through the year, expecially during the spring mating season. I was not aware of this location until someone I bumped into at another wildlife area tipped me off about it's existence. Please note: it's only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the third Friday in Feburary until the fourth Sunday in May. It's odd I know but it does help keep the tourists types down (think Circle B Bar). As with any Florida wildlife area, you never know what you might encounter. Last year I cranked out one of my best photos of an Osprey devouring a freshly caught fish to its delight. This year, it was on the slow side and I didn't encounter much. You never know until you visit and get your feet on the ground. I like this location and it's on my yearly rotation. I hope you enjoy!

So, my favorite thing about this place is the sunset. Wow! It is spectacular. Wild life is all around. There are two hiking trails. One is short, but there is another one that is a little longer. It is definitely a place to visit. So much to see and admire. People come in the afternoons to fish. I have seen people sitting around taking photographs. I hope you have a chance to visit. It will be worth it.Make sure you have plenty of water. Mosquitoes can be bad. Also, if you are walking the north trail, it will be in the sun. Most of the south trail is shady. Watch for snakes and alligators. Not a danger but just be cautious.

Finally found it and it was open. You drive one way. GPS was wrong. It is not crowded and is very quiet and peaceful in the middle. Go to their website for the map as google is not accurate. At the very end saw a huge alligator. Lost of coots and hens and the usual suspects.