Q: Hi. I'm lucky enough to be able to visit the lower Keys for a week in March. Can you recommend any specific butterfly watching sites? As I'm new to this hobby, any other info you can pass on will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much -- Robyn

A: Yes, Robyn, you are lucky. The lower Keys are generally not as congested as Key West or Keys to the north.

Your first stop should be Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge in Big Pine Key. Just follow signs (usually brown with white letters) from the Keys' main road (U.S. 1) to points of interest here, which are scattered about a few islands. I saw several butterflies on a trail here last May.

You may also try Bahia Honda State Park just a bit northeast of Big Pine Key. You can't miss it, because U.S. 1 goes right through the state park. There is a trail here, too, in addition to beach flowers that may lure butterflies.

If you don't mind a drive, up in Islamorada, you can tour the butterfly garden at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

The best place for information about butterflies and butterfly watching is the North American Butterfly Association, whose Web site provides information on your new hobby.

Have fun!

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