Photo Locations/Subjects - West Palm Beach?
Jan 18, 2017 07:07:31 #
SteveTog
Loc: Philly
I'll be in West Palm Beach next month. Any recommendations for where to shoot wildlife, nightlife and any other compelling subjects in the area?
While I'd like to be in knee deep in the glades on a slough slog like Clyde Butcher, or 100' under like Stan Waterman, I expect that I will be spending time on a golf cart instead (I'm bringing down an elderly dad). I'll be shooting Nikon DX to keep the weight and bulk down. I love shooting any genre so I'm hearing any and all off-beat suggestions.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
While I'd like to be in knee deep in the glades on a slough slog like Clyde Butcher, or 100' under like Stan Waterman, I expect that I will be spending time on a golf cart instead (I'm bringing down an elderly dad). I'll be shooting Nikon DX to keep the weight and bulk down. I love shooting any genre so I'm hearing any and all off-beat suggestions.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
Jan 18, 2017 07:17:01 #
Go to blowing rocks preserve, it is on Jupiter islad, just north of the lighthouse. See my recent post for an example.
Larry
Larry
Jan 18, 2017 07:44:28 #
SteveTog
Loc: Philly
treadwl wrote:
Go to blowing rocks preserve, it is on Jupiter islad, just north of the lighthouse. See my recent post for an example.
Larry
Larry
Awesome post Larry! The site is gorgeous, but my 87 year old dad would stomp my @ss rather than do that hike. :)
Jan 18, 2017 07:51:30 #
Add
Loc: S.W.Florida
Another get your ass stomped location is Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp north of Naples as well as Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach. I am only a year younger than your dad and I do both. To Hell with golf.
Jan 18, 2017 08:15:38 #
Green Cay Wetlands was a good suggestion. Waddakatchee (not sure of spelling) is near Green Cay. You could also walk along the waterfront in downtown West Palm, or walk along Worth Ave in Palm Beach. There are many little unique looking shops along Worth Ave with sitting areas filled with flowers and small statues.
Jan 18, 2017 08:38:54 #
Wakodahatchee Wetlands is in Boynton Beach and easily accessible with a boardwalk and some benches if your father gets tired. Go early in the morning for parking this time of year. Don't leave anything in your car at either Wako or Green Cay Wetlands which is also a board walk but much longer with a visitor center. Restroom facilities at both places and both are convenient to shopping and restaurants. Wildlife at Wakodahatchee includes nesting birds such as anhinga, wood storks, egrets, great blue herons, green herons, cormorants, glossy ibis and white ibis, whistling ducks, mottled ducks, warblers, night herons, and more. You may see breeding iguanas, turtles (softshell and sliders) and alligators. Check out their Facebook page "Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Green Cay Wetlands"
Jan 18, 2017 08:43:03 #
You could also check out Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge located also in Boynton Beach, just west of West Palm Beach. They have a short boardwalk through a cypress stand, a tram tour and a visitor center.
Jan 18, 2017 08:45:28 #
Green Cay is excellent for birds. I have yet to visit Morikami Park but it is on my list. Wakodahatchee Wetlands is also very good for birds. Boca Rotan has a private butterfly park but it is somewhat pricey. The art museum in Boca is worth visiting. Small but very nice. I found butterflies at Gumbo Limbo or Spanish River Park which is next to it. For birding, you will need at least a 400 mm lens. If your hand is not steady, either bring a tripod or steady yourself of a railing. However, once in a while, you will find a bird or two within arm's length. Prepare to walk wherever you go. Enjoy.
Jan 18, 2017 19:59:38 #
SteveTog
Loc: Philly
Thanks for the great replies. And yes, golf is evil and must be destroyed. I'll put the new president right on this.
Jan 19, 2017 07:13:54 #
Without a doubt, do not miss Wakadohatchee Wetlands and Green Cay. Both are easily accessible boardwalks, eye candy birding. Trust me, you will not go wrong at these locations in Boynton Beach, several miles apart. If you want an off beat location that is not well known, you may want to go to STA-5. That stands for storm water treatment area 5, and is outstanding for quantity of birds. It is a closed area, access is provided by Hendry-Glades Audubon. You must go to their website and sign up of access. It is a large area, and is viewed from your car. You drive along dikes containing the water in pools. So it is very easy, your father can stay in the car and see plenty. Take a lunch and water along, there are no facilities here other than porta potties. This is in sugar-cane country. Very interesting. Photos from Green Cay and Wahadohatchee, March 2016
Jan 19, 2017 07:36:11 #
SteveTog
Loc: Philly
Robert R wrote:
Without a doubt, do not miss Wakadohatchee Wetland... (show quote)
Awesome. Thanks for the detailed info and photos!
Jan 19, 2017 07:57:59 #
Jan 19, 2017 08:38:15 #
SteveTog wrote:
I'll be in West Palm Beach next month. Any recomm... (show quote)
Jupiter Lighthouse, Green Cay, City Place (for people), Blowing Rocks, Bethesda By the Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach. If you are near Wellington, Peaceful Waters is a small wildlife preserve with boardwalk and walking trail. Not usually too crowded. Green Cay is a much larger place, but laid out in such a way that you can do shorter routes if your dad is not up to the full walk. There is also an indoor area with seating and restrooms are available. Lots of wildlife.
Take your camera while playing golf. Depending on the course; you may see eagles, aligators, sandhill cranes, ibis, egrets, herons, various ducks and raccoons, flowers. Plus play is often slow so you will not be holding anyone up.
Just carry your camera with you everywhere and have a great trip. Depending on where you are staying, everything is in a 30-45 minute drive. Traffic is heavy at times, though.
Jan 19, 2017 08:41:14 #
ksmmike wrote:
Green Cay Wetlands was a good suggestion. Waddakatchee (not sure of spelling) is near Green Cay. You could also walk along the waterfront in downtown West Palm, or walk along Worth Ave in Palm Beach. There are many little unique looking shops along Worth Ave with sitting areas filled with flowers and small statues.
The people watching on Worth Ave. could be fascinating and could yield some unique images. You have the option of night and day shooting. You can try "street photography, but I never hesitate to ask people to stop and pose for me. 90% of subjects agree. Just don't tie them up for more than a couple of minutes, and give them your business card in case they want to contact you to get a print of the best shot (no charge). Have fun! >Alan
Jan 19, 2017 10:01:14 #
John D. McArthur Park on Singer Island(north of WPB, east of Riviera Beach), Jonathan Dickinson State Park( south end of Martin County, north of WPB)
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