BEST PLACE TO BIRDWATCH

The local avian population has been spreading wings with excitement spawned by the people-watching at the Frog Pond lately. There's been so much activity, they've been inviting their out-of-town cousins to the area for an aerial glance. Actually "Lucky Hammock," as it's known to birders, is a popular location thanks to the variety of birds found there, including several species that technically don't belong in South Florida. It's a Wildlife Management Area run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which means it's property set aside specifically for conservation and recreation, which means living wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Best bet: About a half-mile before the Everglades National Park boundary, turn south onto Aerojet Road and park about a quarter-mile south of Palm Drive. Welcome to Lucky Hammock, and happy hunting.