Advice on Photographing birds on Florida trip
Feb 25, 2019 11:21:03 #
Xeriod
Loc: Bethlehem, PA
A friend and I are flying to Florida for a week starting 3/13. I could use some advice on locations or areas inside these locations on where to shoot. I have done some research and here are some locations we plan on going to shoot. Starting with Ding Darling WMA, Light House Sanibel, San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach, Corkscrew Swamp, in the Everglades Ochopee, Big Cypress Shark Valley. Then on east coast Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Green Cay Wetlands, Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee NWR. We need to stay in Southern Florida area. I know this is an extensive list but maybe some of you have been there recently and found them not productive due to weather or whatever. You may have other suggestions. Open to any suggestions for photographing anything in those areas, doesn’t have to be birds. We both shoot Canon Crop sensors. I shoot with Tamron 150-600 and both of us shoot Tamron 18-400 as well as some wide angle. Thank you for info.
Feb 25, 2019 11:33:36 #
From the list you provide I'll suggest Shark Valley----was there last week and it was pretty active. Work the canal on the right side. Going to the left is basically a waste of time.
Wakodahatchee is really active right now as is Green Cay.
The Lighthouse as Hillsbrough in Deerfield and the one at Jupiter are much better photograph subject than the one at Sanibel. If you are driving, try the beach on the island across the foot bridge at Lover's Key for sunset---there are some good downed trees for foregrounds. On the east coast, drive to Jupiter, park on the west side of the road at Coral Cove (the parking lot will not be open for sunrise). Walkout to the beach to get sunrise with the rocks for a foreground. You could walk about a mile north up the same beach and get to Blowing Rocks (the park is closed for sunrise) there the rocks are bigger and more interesting. Wear good foot gear the rocks are VERY sharp.
Wakodahatchee is really active right now as is Green Cay.
The Lighthouse as Hillsbrough in Deerfield and the one at Jupiter are much better photograph subject than the one at Sanibel. If you are driving, try the beach on the island across the foot bridge at Lover's Key for sunset---there are some good downed trees for foregrounds. On the east coast, drive to Jupiter, park on the west side of the road at Coral Cove (the parking lot will not be open for sunrise). Walkout to the beach to get sunrise with the rocks for a foreground. You could walk about a mile north up the same beach and get to Blowing Rocks (the park is closed for sunrise) there the rocks are bigger and more interesting. Wear good foot gear the rocks are VERY sharp.
Feb 25, 2019 11:39:46 #
Feb 25, 2019 11:48:51 #
The Venice rookery is hoppin right now with mating season for great egrets and blue herons.
I didn’t make it this year but ft. deSoto is ussually a good spot.
I didn’t make it this year but ft. deSoto is ussually a good spot.
Feb 25, 2019 11:56:40 #
Xeriod wrote:
A friend and I are flying to Florida for a week st... (show quote)
When on West Coast shoot Burrowing Owls...google for best locations. If in Sarasota...don't miss Celery fields.
Feb 25, 2019 12:47:05 #
Xeriod wrote:
A friend and I are flying to Florida for a week st... (show quote)
That's a great list.
If you are planning to visit all those spots in one week you will be pretty busy. The only addition I would suggest is Merrett Island NWR on the east coast. The prime migrating bird time in Florida is November to April so you will be in good shape.
Have fun.
Feb 25, 2019 14:37:38 #
Black Point Drive may be worthwhile, but that's a lot of driving from the south. Ding Darling and Sanibel were not worth the effort three to four weeks ago, but we did find some Burrowing Owls on Sanibel and Marco. Corkscrew and Big Cypress were very good.
Feb 26, 2019 05:54:30 #
Ding Darling can be spectacular for the number and variety of birds so close to the drive. Make sure you have bug spray, the "no seeums" are brutal. Shark Valley is wonderful. Plan to drive slowly. Lots of birds in their natural beautiful habitat.
You might want to consider an eBook: http://photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/digital-deluxe-florida-birding-a-guide-to-the-best-birding-locations-in-the-sunshine-state/
Enjoy your trip. My wife will be working in FL for the month of Jan. I'm going along for the birds. I cannot wait.
You might want to consider an eBook: http://photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/digital-deluxe-florida-birding-a-guide-to-the-best-birding-locations-in-the-sunshine-state/
Enjoy your trip. My wife will be working in FL for the month of Jan. I'm going along for the birds. I cannot wait.
Feb 26, 2019 06:20:38 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Xeriod wrote:
A friend and I are flying to Florida for a week st... (show quote)
Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Green Cay Wetlands, Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee NWR and I will add Peaceful Waters in Wellington is not that far away.
Right now at Wakodahatchee Wetlands Great Egrets have returned in numbers and are pairing off. First eggs laid yesterday. Green Heron eggs laid and can be photographed from the board walk. I believe their is nothing more beautiful than Great Egrets in mating colors.
Feb 26, 2019 06:34:55 #
Xeriod
Loc: Bethlehem, PA
Thanks billnikon for the info on Peaceful Waters. Had never heard of that one. Outstanding shot you posted.
Feb 26, 2019 06:39:12 #
Xeriod
Loc: Bethlehem, PA
Thanks for link to ebook. I have seen a number of you tube videos with Mark Smith.
Feb 26, 2019 06:55:27 #
Xeriod wrote:
Thanks for link to ebook. I have seen a number of you tube videos with Mark Smith.
Yes. You might want to invest in one of his tours. I plan to when I'm there. Regardless, you'll have a great time. Enjoy and please post your photos.
Also, check out the burrowing owls onn San Marco. Wildlife in a very urban setting. It's amazing to see and it's hard to find a more adorable bird.
Feb 26, 2019 07:04:22 #
Feb 26, 2019 07:16:10 #
As of a few weeks ago, the best place to see Burrowing Owls was Cape Coral. After checking the more popular spots, they were quite scarce. This link will show where we found a few, the Public Library being the best and most accessible.
http://www.billmajoros.com/photoalbum/categories/new/florida2010/owlmap.pdf
These are SOOC. Note the wooden crosses that have been erected for them near their burrows. Their eyes do not move.
http://www.billmajoros.com/photoalbum/categories/new/florida2010/owlmap.pdf
These are SOOC. Note the wooden crosses that have been erected for them near their burrows. Their eyes do not move.
Feb 26, 2019 07:20:16 #
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