Everglades NP or other site in FLA recommendation (Page 2): My advice on this trip is: BE PREPARED. I was on my only trip to the Everglades in 2010 and was parked in the ranger station...

SonyBug

My advice on this trip is: BE PREPARED.
I was on my only trip to the Everglades in 2010 and was parked in the ranger station at the junction of the road to Everglade City, and Alligator Alley, pointed east in my motor home. The camera was on the floor alongside me. I saw a very large spotted bobcat (??)with a long tail come out of the bullrushes and stop at the road. I pulled my camera up to my eye, turning it on in one motion. But, after snap AF'ing, I decided that I needed a longer lens. So, I took the camera down to adjust the zoom, and...THE CAT RAN BACK INTO THE BULLRUSHES.
So what is the moral here? Well, bobcats don't have long tails. The shot I missed was a juvenile Florida Panther. One of only 200 or so alive. A ranger I talked to later said she had worked in the swamp for over 3 years and never seen one. Truly the shot that got away! So, BE PREPARED. you don't know where the next shot will come from in Florida.

Opus Loc: South East Michigan

davidrb wrote:

Jim, looks as though you are headed for the wrong safari. It is highly doubtful you will find many photography subjects sitting in your fancy restaurant, they're not allow in. Does your wife like zoos? They may be your only hope. Lots of GL 2 U.

davidrb thanks you reminded me:

Wow, I can't believe I forgo about the free flight aviary at the Miami zoo. You have to do this. When I went I spent 4 hours in there and was pissed off because I needed more time.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Mac wrote:

There are some nice places to photograph near Napl... (show quote)

I agree with all of this. Naples is the best for luxury accommodations, shopping, restaurants, and it is close to many wildlife areas already mentioned. Although it's not near Naples, if you get near the Tampabay area my favorite spot is the Circle B Bar preserve in Lakeland.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Thanks everyone for your comments. Sounds like end of February is best.

I lived in Winter Park in the early 1960's but had no interest in Photography at the time.

rmw0001 Loc: Lake Mills, WI

Jim S wrote:

When to go, Where to stay?

Want to shoot birds and other animals. Wife NOT a lover of rural places. So the place to stay is important for restaurants, etc.

Thanks

Jim, I live in WI but spend my winters at Marco Island, just south of Naples. I second the recommendations for Corkscrew, Loop Road and the Naples Botanical Gardens. Not mentioned is Shark Valley, the northern entrance to the Everglades National Park, and Tigertail Beach (Tigertail Lagoon) at Marco. Also, the zoo and Eagle Lakes park in Naples. Six-Mile Cypress Slough north toward Ft. Meyers is a spot I will visit again.

In my experience, Loop Road and Shark Valley will offer the best density of bird 'shooting' opportunities. Marco is home to hundreds of nesting Burrowing Owls and March into April is a good time to see them and their broods. Shark Valley has a 15 mile paved loop road and you can ride the tram, rent a bike or just walk around.

I you're interested, many of my Fla images can be seen on my Flickr site; and there are galleries of Burrowing Owls and Pelicans on my SmugMug site.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Take a look at staying in the Bonita Springs area on the southwest coast. You are a short drive from many photo opportunities listed above, great restaurants in the area, your wife is only 15 min away from both Ft Myers and Naples (shopping & restaurants), you can be in Ft Lauderdale/Miami/east coast in less than 2 hrs., etc. And for some fine pic opportunities, don't miss going to Lake Trafford -- and you can plunk your wife in the casino while you do the airboat ride for some fine picture opportunities.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

I worked for Quad Graphics for 25 years, Really enjor Wisco.

Thanks for the info

rmw0001 wrote:

Jim, I live in WI but spend my winters at Marco Is... (show quote)

rustfarmer

Way back in 1972 I had a friend who was a park ranger at Shark Valley, about midpoint of the Tamiami Trail. We walked barefoot miles into the glades, visiting many "hammocks". Each little island was a mini ecosystem that had amazing tree snails with unique colorful shells. I did not have a camera (other than my somewhat faulty brainbox) with me and would love to recreate that trip, but probably no t allowed without a special friend. In those days, gators and snakes ran from people, and bugs were no problem either. Most people don't know it, but the bottom is rock and not at all slimy. Guess your wife might not enjoy it, but for me it was magical.

rustfarmer

Way back in 1972 I had a friend who was a park ranger at Shark Valley, about midpoint of the Tamiami Trail. We walked barefoot miles into the glades, visiting many "hammocks". Each little island was a mini ecosystem that had amazing tree snails with unique colorful shells. I did not have a camera (other than my somewhat faulty brainbox) with me and would love to recreate that trip, but probably no t allowed without a special friend. In those days, gators and snakes ran from people, and bugs were no problem either. Most people don't know it, but the bottom is rock and not at all slimy. Guess your wife might not enjoy it, but for me it was magical.

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

Jim S wrote:

When to go, Where to stay?

Want to shoot birds and other animals. Wife NOT a lover of rural places. So the place to stay is important for restaurants, etc.

Thanks

Naples is a good place to stay Jim, lots to do, and only a short drive to Big Cypress, Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades. Don't expect to see anything until mid November and til late March. Please PM me when and if you come down and I will be happy to meet you and take you to the best spots

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

I';ve been to every one of the above mentioned areas. Each has its own attractions, and some of them are great. However, nothing equals Everglades NP, east entrance only. There are numerous motels in Homestead, and many restaurants as well.
You will need standard and long lens, and you will find a huge variety of birds, alligators, crocs, etc. Many are acclimated to people, and you can get quite close.
Wonderful place!

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

mikegreenwald wrote:

I';ve been to every one of the above mentioned areas. Each has its own attractions, and some of them are great. However, nothing equals Everglades NP, east entrance only. There are numerous motels in Homestead, and many restaurants as well.
You will need standard and long lens, and you will find a huge variety of birds, alligators, crocs, etc. Many are acclimated to people, and you can get quite close.
Wonderful place!

I neglected to add that best is dry season, when the water creatures are forced into the remaining wet areas within the park.

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

gregoryd45 wrote:

Naples is a good place to stay Jim, lots to do, and only a short drive to Big Cypress, Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades. Don't expect to see anything until mid November and til late March. Please PM me when and if you come down and I will be happy to meet you and take you to the best spots

This is the best idea yet. Gregoryd45 is about the most knowledgeable person I have ever met and is always glad to show off "his swamp". Take him up on it. I am about to make my fourth trip to Loop Road and other places there.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

gregoryd45 wrote:

Naples is a good place to stay Jim, lots to do, and only a short drive to Big Cypress, Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades. Don't expect to see anything until mid November and til late March. Please PM me when and if you come down and I will be happy to meet you and take you to the best spots

Plan now is 1st week of March - I'd love to have you join us/me??

I'll be in touch and thanks

ad9mac

Glass bottomed boat to John Pennecamp reef off N. Key Largo.