Mammals during a couple of days in Miami in August. (1 Viewer)

[Steve Babbs]

I may find myself in Miami for a day or two next August. Can anyone recommend the best site close to the airport for Manatee? Is Round-tailed Muskrat doable? Anything else I may not of thought of?

Thanks in advance.

 

[lgonz1008]

The muskrat is not realistic anywhere in the Miami without a lot of time in the field and planning for it, only iNaturalist sighting of the species is a dead specimen. Outside of Miami, Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Palm Beach has some rare but confirmed sightings there.

For the manatee, you have a number of options, but if you want it nearly guaranteed, rent a car and go to the Flamingo Marina in Everglades National Park, they like to hang out in the marina and you can see them alongside American Crocodile with relative ease. Outside of there, I've seen them all over the canals in urban Miami around Biscayne National Park, but they are unreliable at best there.

 

[Steve Babbs]

The muskrat is not realistic anywhere in the Miami without a lot of time in the field and planning for it, only iNaturalist sighting of the species is a dead specimen. Outside of Miami, Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Palm Beach has some rare but confirmed sightings there.

For the manatee, you have a number of options, but if you want it nearly guaranteed, rent a car and go to the Flamingo Marina in Everglades National Park, they like to hang out in the marina and you can see them alongside American Crocodile with relative ease. Outside of there, I've seen them all over the canals in urban Miami around Biscayne National Park, but they are unreliable at best there.

Many thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

 

[Steve Babbs]

The muskrat is not realistic anywhere in the Miami without a lot of time in the field and planning for it, only iNaturalist sighting of the species is a dead specimen. Outside of Miami, Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Palm Beach has some rare but confirmed sightings there.

For the manatee, you have a number of options, but if you want it nearly guaranteed, rent a car and go to the Flamingo Marina in Everglades National Park, they like to hang out in the marina and you can see them alongside American Crocodile with relative ease. Outside of there, I've seen them all over the canals in urban Miami around Biscayne National Park, but they are unreliable at best there.

I presume that they are still easy to see there in August? I know they are less reliable in some places outside the winter months.

 

[lgonz1008]

I don't often visit the park at that time of the year, low bird variety and too many biting insects, but I've seen them the few times I've been there. Nothing is guaranteed, but it's definitely the best place to try for them year-round, the ones elsewhere in Florida move between their winter and summer sites, but in Flamingo since the water temperature is the same year-round, they tend to stick around.

Just keep in mind, the water can be really murky due to the boats, so at best you'll see their nose or part of the tail fluke, not the whole animal.

 

[Steve Babbs]

I don't often visit the park at that time of the year, low bird variety and too many biting insects, but I've seen them the few times I've been there. Nothing is guaranteed, but it's definitely the best place to try for them year-round, the ones elsewhere in Florida move between their winter and summer sites, but in Flamingo since the water temperature is the same year-round, they tend to stick around.

Just keep in mind, the water can be really murky due to the boats, so at best you'll see their nose or part of the tail fluke, not the whole animal.

Thanks again. I never thought about the murkiness!

 

[Jos Stratford]

Thanks again. I never thought about the murkiness!

Best winter sites are in very clear water, maybe plan an additional trip

 

[Steve Babbs]

Best winter sites are in very clear water, maybe plan an additional trip

That may happen but it'll be to see them in Belize.

 

[Owene]

Thanks again. I never thought about the murkiness!

I saw them earlier this year on the gulf coast. I had a few noses, wakes and general signs of large shapes moving under water

My wife snorkelled with them and even then had to be very close to get a good view due to water visibility

I’d compare the views to when you catch a seal head and middle range from a boat or something but maybe not quite that good. I’ve certainly had worse views of cetaceans for example and they don’t go too far or too deep so you can get your eye in but it’s not amazing views

Edit. That was august. The videos of clear water views are usually December I think

 

[Steve Babbs]

I have to admit the murky water is putting me off quite a lot.

 

[lgonz1008]

I have to admit the murky water is putting me off quite a lot.

This observation from July summarizes the view quality for them year-round on this site: West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)

The nice views you see are usually North of Lake Okeechobee in the natural springs the manatees upstate use as their winter havens.

 

[Steve Babbs]

Decision made: I'll skip the manatees in Florida in August and add it to my list of reasons to go to Belize.

 

[Allen]

Steve, I went to Belize in March this year and did a trip out for Manatee in Plancencia Lagoon but those views were equally noses, backs and flukes. There may be better viewing opportunities in Belize but just info for you.