Nature surrounds us as we stroll along the Wakodahatchee Wetlands boardwalk in Delray Beach, Florida. Wading birds stand tall in the marsh, seemingly unaware as we pass. It’s a brilliant use of former wastewater, now a treatment facility that provides an open sanctuary for wetland birds and other Florida wildlife.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands is home to more than 178 species of birds, as well as other wildlife, including alligators, iguanas, turtles, raccoons, insects, and otters.
The wildlife is free to come and go as it pleases. In contrast, human visitors are a bit limited as we need to stay on the nearly 1-mile-long boardwalk. It protects wildlife as well as keeps us safe from alligators. Interpretive signage enhances our trail, in addition to periodic benches to rest.
According to the signage, “The Wakodahatchee Wetland boardwalk was created to inspire and educate people about the importance of water conservation. . . . This manmade wetland naturally purifies highly treated water from the southern region water reclamation facility, recharges the area’s groundwater resources and provides a natural habitat for wildlife.”
Wakodahatchee is the “best park in Florida,” according to Money Magazine (June 2018).
Wakodahatchee Wetlands birds and other Florida wildlife
Herons are popular amongst the many species of Wakadohatchee birds. They don’t belong to the wetlands, in fact, this wildlife has chosen to make this sanctuary their home.
Anhinga and Cormorant
Neither Anhingas nor Cormorants have fully waterproof wings, thus making them unique among bird species worldwide. Hence, to dry their wings, Anhinga often spread the wings to dry in the sun.
A nesting alligator
Like the birds, the alligators are part of the Florida wildlife and choose to live here at Wakodahatchee. The boardwalk protects visitors from the alligators.
Spring migration and nesting in the Florida wetlands
Spring and autumn are the migration season for Florida wetland birds. On our prior visit in Spring of 2016, we saw an abundant collection of nesting birds.
Where are Wakodahatchee Wetlands?
Located at 13026 Jog Road in Delray Beach Florida (Palm Beach County), the entrance is between Woolbright Road and Atlantic Avenue.
- The wetlands are open daily from 7 am to sunset.
- Entry and parking are free.
- The boardwalk is just shy of a one-mile walk.
More on visiting Wakodahatchee Wetlands
- The name Wakodahatchee means “created waters” in the dialect of the Seminole Indians.
- The Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility pumps nearly two million gallons of highly treated wastewater into the Wakodahatchee Wetlands daily. The wetlands act as a percolation pond. The result is billions of gallons of fresh water returning to the water table.
- For more information, check out Wakodahatchee’s official website here.
- We have heard it is also called the Delray Beach Bird Sanctuary or simply the Delray Bird Sanctuary.
More about Florida birds
There are over 500 different species of birds in Florida. If you want to learn more about them, check out this top-rated book. To my surprise, there are more than double the number of bird species in Florida than in New Zealand (where I live).
Thanks to Tasha Boroff for identifying most of the birds on this page, although the next one came from a later visit.
Monika Ohson
Wow! The bird sighting is awesome.
Rashmi K
Great to know that Florida is so rich in wildlife. I can see pics of many distinct bird species. I would love to visit this place for birding.
Alissa A Apel
I love the iguana so much! I’m big into lizards because we got a gecko in October. He’s so cute!
The birds are so pretty as well.
Carol
Beautiful photos of some of my favorite Florida birds, thanks
Lydia C. Lee
Great pics!!
Rachel Day
This looks like a great place to visit. And thus post is so informative. We will add it to our list for when we’re next in Florida. My parents have a house near Englewood. 😀
Cris F.
I just love it when someone loves natural Florida as much as I do! This is my favorite part of my home state, the wildlife and natural beauty.
Francesca
This looks like such a peaceful place! I would love to see the birds and the alligators although I’d definitely be glad of the barrier that prevents them from getting too close!
Janice J. Dunford
Its Free and diversified in plants and animals and water related creatures. A must see, wheelchair friendly, shade areas, no mosquitos, lots of birds.
Even little bunnies, alligators, noisy baby birds, wood storks, turtles, fish, Iquanas (few, they eat the baby eggs :().The Anhinga beautiful water bird, swims underwater to eat. And I saw a stilt, 10ft fat alligator, bunting bird,, soft shell turtle laying eggs Mosquito fish. Bird nests full in April best time.
Anda
Wakodahatchee Wetlands look amazing. What a diversity of birds, plants and animals! I am not particularly fond of swamps, but your pictures surely make this place look like a must-see.
Leah
The dragonflies sitting on a plastic water bottle isn’t he? The green is a flip up straw, the red is the lid then in the water you can partially see the rest of the bottle under the water. Shame really 🙁
Juliette
Beautiful! I love the cattle egret – check out his mohawk! Punk bird. I love watching wildlife…but I must admit I wouldn’t want to get too close to that alligator! That actually terrifies me!
Sandy N Vyjay
The bio-diversity of Wakodahatchee Wetlands looks amazing. Your pictures bring to life in vibrant colour the birds and alligators of Wakodahatchee Wetlands. The tri-coloured Heron and the Cattle Egret look really beautiful. The alligator, of course, looks deadly in spite of its somnolence.
Michael Hodgson
Love nature preserves like this. Have not been to Wakodahatchee but have added it to my list to visit next time we are wandering through Florida. Nice job on the wildlife photos … not easy to do. What camera and lens were you using? Being that you love nature photography you might want to add a canoe trip through the Everglades or Okefenokee Swamp (up on the Florida / Georgia border). Spring is a great time as the flowers are blooming, the birds nesting and the alligators are coming out of a bit of hibernation. I can guarantee you will garner some superb photos!
Yukti
You have taken stunning shots of wildlife as if we are reading some National Geographic Magazine, especially that blue heron catching its prey. It is great to know that Wakodahatchee Wetland boardwalk is created for conserving water and though it is man made but it looks very natural.
Joanne
We’ve visited Florida many times with the kids but have never escaped the theme parks long enough to explore the real Florida. The wetlands are amazing and your photography is simply beautiful. I love that you could take such great photos of the local birds and alligators.
Heather
First off, the photo of the blue heron with its catch is AMAZING as is the capturing of the Snowy Egret in flight, wow!! I absolutely love wildlife and seeing them naturally in their habitats so Wakodahatchee would be perfect for me! How close were you to the nesting alligator? She definitely looks chill, but they are so quick on the move too. Good to know that both entry and parking is free!
Susanne
What a nice place. I like to watch birds and know that getting great photos is not always easy. Often they move so fast that it is hard to “catch the moment”. Your pictures have become really great.
The iguana definitely enjoyed the sun. He looks like nothing bothers him.
Lara Dunning
You saw so many birds here! I’ve seen egrets before but I’m not sure I’ve seen a Cattle egret. When I travel visiting natural places like this is high on my list. Thanks for putting this “best of” park on my radar.
Carol Colborn
You captured the Birds and Alligators of Wakodahatchee Wetlands so well in your camera!
Sharon
Your photos are so clear. The feathered creatures look so beautiful, especially the herons.
Paul Pietrangelo
These were some were very colorful birds. Were the birds ever attacked by the alligators? See ya Rhonda.
Cruisin Paul
Ryan Biddulph
That great blue heron shot is eye-popping Rhonda. Amazing.
Carol
Love the Florida photos – I am currently living on the west coast of Florida, love the birds and even the alligators.
Lisa @ LTTL
I have been to these wetland, eons ago. Your bird shots are especially lovely….
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens
Cascia Talbert
Your photos are beautiful! I especially love the birds.
Becky
Your shots are absolutely magnificent!
Sandee
I’ve not visited there. I’ll go for the birds. We have so many right here and we so enjoy seeing them.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Indah Nuria
We have seen alligators here, in Australia and Indonesia. Interesting indeed but I prefer birds. The pretty ones especially 🙂
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
Those are great anhinga pictures! Looks like a nice place for a visit. Hope you’re enjoying your travels.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I love Florida I understand that unfortunately the python has now created a mess since someone dropped it in wetlands and there are so many of them that they are destroying the animals in the area, even to the point of getting into homes and playgrounds in the area.
I’m glad that you are having such a great time my friend. See ya Rhonda.
Cruisin Paul
Kyla Matton Osborne (Ruby3881)
Those are some pretty striking birds! I especially liked the looks of that reddish one you couldn’t identify. He’s got a lovely colour to him.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Amazing to see so many chicks.