birding on Georgia islands
Jul 27, 2018 22:17:18 #
My husband and I are wanting to take a fun, relaxing vacation to the coast of Georgia to do some bird photography. I don't want it to be crowded or overrun with photographers. But there's so many islands! Which do you recommend? And is August too hot to do this? Thank you!
Jul 28, 2018 07:10:26 #
Jul 28, 2018 07:22:37 #
Jul 28, 2018 07:24:58 #
cdunn
Loc: Brevard, NC
Several of the Georgia islands have good preserves for shooting birds. The best is almost assuredly Little St. Simons Island just across from St. Simons. It is owned by the Henry Paulson family and is pristinely preserved. It is expensive, but it includes all meals and superb naturalists on staff at your disposal for no additional cost.
St. Simons and the adjacent Jekyll Island both have easily accessible marshlands, beaches and forests for shooting. We spend the month of February of each year at St. Simons and really like it. I shoot during early morning or late afternoon almost every day we are there. St. Simons is larger and more commercial than Jekyll, but also has far more preserved areas for wildlife. I have never felt crowded with photographers, but I've never stayed there in the summer. A possibility for you might be, depending on budget, to stay on St. Simons or Jekyll for a few days and then 2 days on Little St. Simons, the latter being quite a great experience.
All of that said, August can be very hot in this area, and you'll need bug spray and sun protection in that season. If your schedule allows, I would recommend visiting there later in the fall or winter, when the weather can be glorious and there are fewer people.
St. Simons and the adjacent Jekyll Island both have easily accessible marshlands, beaches and forests for shooting. We spend the month of February of each year at St. Simons and really like it. I shoot during early morning or late afternoon almost every day we are there. St. Simons is larger and more commercial than Jekyll, but also has far more preserved areas for wildlife. I have never felt crowded with photographers, but I've never stayed there in the summer. A possibility for you might be, depending on budget, to stay on St. Simons or Jekyll for a few days and then 2 days on Little St. Simons, the latter being quite a great experience.
All of that said, August can be very hot in this area, and you'll need bug spray and sun protection in that season. If your schedule allows, I would recommend visiting there later in the fall or winter, when the weather can be glorious and there are fewer people.
Jul 28, 2018 08:36:55 #
Bird Dawg
Loc: Georgia
I would strongly recommend Little St. Simmons. It is a wonderful experience and would be great in the Spring or Fall.
Jul 28, 2018 08:38:44 #
Bird Dawg
Loc: Georgia
PS - St. Simons is also a great place to take pictures. I have been going there for over 40 years with my family. Busy but beautiful. Enjoy!!
Jul 28, 2018 10:05:40 #
Alb
Loc: Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania
Be sure to stop at Christ Church on St Simons for a lovely building, stained glass, and a marvelous cemetery.
Jul 28, 2018 12:11:23 #
cdunn
Loc: Brevard, NC
Alb wrote:
Be sure to stop at Christ Church on St Simons for a lovely building, stained glass, and a marvelous cemetery.
Absolutely true. It's easy to spend a good part of the morning there just shooting the grounds and gorgeous cemetery. It's particularly true when the camellias are in bloom.
Jul 28, 2018 23:05:54 #
Bird Dawg wrote:
I would strongly recommend Little St. Simmons. It is a wonderful experience and would be great in the Spring or Fall.
Does one have to be guest to visit Little St. Simons?
Jul 28, 2018 23:15:34 #
Alb
Loc: Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania
I should also mention that Christ Church has a wonderful lychgate. Some of my favorite photos were taken of that gate.
Jul 29, 2018 06:43:03 #
Jul 29, 2018 07:08:01 #
Jul 29, 2018 07:08:32 #
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