Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Gulf of Mexico circle tour - What should we NOT miss
Jan 27, 2015 11:46:29   #
Eaglespotter Loc: SW Michigan
 
Fellow UHH members. I need your suggestions please. My wife and I are starting a 6 to 8 week photograph/sightseeing adventure Feb 3, 2015. Oh, the joys of retirement. We plan on driving to central Florida for several weeks of birding then follow the Gulf of Mexico around to Corpus Christi TX. WHAT SHOULD WE NOT MISS!!! Any subject is fair game. I can cover from 18mm to 700mm. Fur and feathers are foremost but landscapes are starting to gain popularity.

Reply
Jan 27, 2015 13:51:09   #
Tpharm Loc: Central PA
 
Depends how far south you start on the Gulf Coast? Near Ft Myers is Ding Darling Preserve on Sanibel Island (Closed Fri) and a Pelican Rehab, We also liked Manatees with little ones, hanging out at the warm discharge from power plant on Tampa Bay. Also, Myakka River state park Inland from Sarasota for a great teaching and photo op with state guides. The AAA TourBook is big help. Traveling West can 't help, but on our bucket list. I would not miss New Orleans.

Reply
Jan 27, 2015 21:31:45   #
rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana
 
Avery Island/McIlhenny Tabasco Factory near New Iberia La. February is start of migration and nesting time for egrets, spoonbills, herons, etc. Nesting season runs through about May 1.

Reply
 
 
Jan 28, 2015 00:10:50   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
Rockport, TX is where Aransas Bay and the Whooping Cranes come to. You could find them now until early April. Port Aransas and its great beaches are just down the road. Some boats will be better than others for photographers. You should be able to get some great photos of whoopers with your lenses. I only had a 28-300mm.

Taken at a distance of about 600 yds./Mating Dance
Taken at a distance of about 600 yds./Mating Dance...
(Download)


(Download)

Reply
Jan 28, 2015 05:47:22   #
Ctrclckws
 
In Corpus Cristi, the oldest WW2 aircraft carrier has been turned into a Museum. Oldest by virtue of the keel laying date, the Lexington, CV-16.
In Mobile, AL, there is the Battleship USS Alabama, BB-60, one generation before the big four.
These qualify as landscape, and a break from wildlife.

Have fun!

Reply
Jan 28, 2015 07:30:01   #
Jgh Loc: On the Road
 
Fort Jefferson.

Reply
Jan 28, 2015 08:44:20   #
nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL
 
try this! There are a lot of targets in the wide area you are going to travel.

http://www.shothotspot.com/

Reply
 
 
Jan 28, 2015 09:29:30   #
canadiaman Loc: Tallahassee, FL
 
I'll share my favorite spots near Tallahassee.

St. Marks Wildlife Refuge has beautiful landscapes, a lighthouse, and abundant bird life. It's well worth a visit.

Also, Wakulla Springs State Park offers an inexpensive wildlife cruise down the Wakulla River. It's unique in that there are no other boats allowed on the portion of the river covered on the boat trip. I frequently see Manatees there. Have lunch at the Historic lodge.

Reply
Jan 28, 2015 09:43:55   #
mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois
 
The Everglades! I could spend the entire six weeks there, particularly if you have access to a boat. Take bug spray.

Reply
Jan 28, 2015 15:59:02   #
oldgeezer3 Loc: SoCal
 
Check out the Naval Air Museum, Pensacola.

Also, if birds are of interest, there are several sanctuaries between Galvaston and Corpus. Hope you enjoy your trip!

Reply
Jan 28, 2015 16:03:20   #
Fla Walt Loc: Delray Beach, Florida
 
If you like the water you can go to Crystal river, rent a wet suit and snorkel with the Manatees.

Reply
 
 
Jan 28, 2015 17:45:46   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
Ctrclckws wrote:
In Corpus Cristi, the oldest WW2 aircraft carrier has been turned into a Museum. Oldest by virtue of the keel laying date, the Lexington, CV-16.
In Mobile, AL, there is the Battleship USS Alabama, BB-60, one generation before the big four.
These qualify as landscape, and a break from wildlife.

Have fun!

The Lex
The Lex...
(Download)

Reply
Jan 29, 2015 14:34:02   #
Eaglespotter Loc: SW Michigan
 
WOW, thanks everyone. What a super response. I'm busy marking each location on Google Earth. Glad I have a 1T external hard drive. I'll need it with all these great suggestions. Again - thanks all. Keep them coming if there are more. I've been known to go to some crazy places to photograph fur or feathers. :)

Reply
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.