We stayed at a timeshare in South Beach Miami from Dec 1 - Dec 7, 2012 with our friends Linda and Dixon. During the actual 6 full days we were there, we spent the first day at Biscayne National Park, 4 in the Everglades and one driving to Key West and back. For all of us, this was our first time to the Everglades and the Keys. We had great weather with days in the upper 70's and lower 80's, with just some occasional showers. We took an hour long airboat tour with Everglades City Airboat tours and a couple of other boat rides in the mangrove swamps, and the Shark Valley Tram tour, and all were well worth it. We also did some hiking and there is no doubt at all that if someone is on a very limited schedule, at least do the Anhinga Trail (0.8 mile round trip). You will see so much wildlife there, up close, that it is really great!
If you see any mis-named birds, please send a comment to let me know!