Where to photograph wildlife (birds} near Orlando
Nov 8, 2019 20:55:33 #
Xeriod
Loc: Bethlehem, PA
A friend and I plan on being in Orlando the 2nd week of December. It may not be the best time to shoot migratory birds but we would like to try to get some shots. I am familiar with Apopka Lake wildlife drive, and Merritt Island wildlife drive but maybe someone may have some better suggestions. We will spend a number of days at Orlando parks. I will be using a Tamron 150-600 and friend will have Tamron18-400.
Nov 8, 2019 21:09:31 #
There's a trail around Lake Apopka (in Apopka); Merritt Island (near Port Canaveral) has a wildlife refuge there; Big Tree Park and Spring Hammock Preserve between Winter Springs and Lake Mary.
Ton of little parks - depends on what you're looking for in size?
Ton of little parks - depends on what you're looking for in size?
Nov 8, 2019 21:16:02 #
Xeriod wrote:
A friend and I plan on being in Orlando the 2nd week of December. It may not be the best time to shoot migratory birds but we would like to try to get some shots. I am familiar with Apopka Lake wildlife drive, and Merritt Island wildlife drive but maybe someone may have some better suggestions. We will spend a number of days at Orlando parks. I will be using a Tamron 150-600 and friend will have Tamron18-400.
I am not sure, but ask about any Preserved "Wilderness" areas in WDW. Also if traveling around go east on 528 past airport there is big stretches of "Wilderness" areas, not sure if safe to park along 528, busy highway, also along 417 By-pass around Orlando you may find some wilderness areas, but you may have to travel to a "National Forest" area or a designated "State Land preserve" area. South of Orlando you may find some places too. Check with locals and "State Wildlife" authority too. Have fun.
Nov 8, 2019 22:00:51 #
Xeriod wrote:
A friend and I plan on being in Orlando the 2nd week of December. It may not be the best time to shoot migratory birds but we would like to try to get some shots. I am familiar with Apopka Lake wildlife drive, and Merritt Island wildlife drive but maybe someone may have some better suggestions. We will spend a number of days at Orlando parks. I will be using a Tamron 150-600 and friend will have Tamron18-400.
Longshadow is right. I worked at the Cape for three years...... Merrit island drive is good and the bird sanctuary, and Indian River drive.
Have fun...
Nov 9, 2019 05:22:07 #
Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, Fl.
A few minutes off Hiway 50, nice little park, but nothing spectacular. Can be on the way to Merritt Island if you're headed there.
A few minutes off Hiway 50, nice little park, but nothing spectacular. Can be on the way to Merritt Island if you're headed there.
Nov 9, 2019 05:35:23 #
Definitely go to the Circle B Bar preserve in Lakeland, a short drive from Orlando.
Nov 9, 2019 05:51:45 #
nimbushopper wrote:
Definitely go to the Circle B Bar preserve in Lakeland, a short drive from Orlando.
Nov 9, 2019 06:02:33 #
The further south you travel, more "Tropical" Florida becomes, but as more of Florida land get gobbled up by Developers, with Sub-divisons and retail outlets, the Birds and Other Wildlife suffer, being dislocated to other areas. I have said before, when Air Conditioning was discovered, older people started to flock to Florida, to escape the Winter, but they forgot about Hurricanes
Nov 9, 2019 06:03:23 #
The further south you travel, more "Tropical" Florida becomes, but as more of Florida land get gobbled up by Developers, with Sub-divisons and retail outlets, the Birds and Other Wildlife suffer, being dislocated to other areas. I have said before, when Air Conditioning was discovered, older people started to flock to Florida, to escape the Winter, but they forgot about Hurricanes
Nov 9, 2019 06:03:48 #
Silverrails wrote:
The further south you travel, more "Tropical" Florida becomes, but as more of Florida land get gobbled up by Developers, with Sub-divisons and retail outlets, the Birds and Other Wildlife suffer, being dislocated to other areas. I have said before, when Air Conditioning was discovered, older people started to flock to Florida, to escape the Winter, but they forgot about Hurricanes
Yeah, they could have gone to California instead...
Nov 9, 2019 06:15:38 #
Great bird shots at Gatorland in Orlando. They allow photographers in through the south entrance 2-3 hours before they open for general admissions. I'm sure there is some seasonality to it but I spent a great morning there several years ago and hope to, someday, go back.
Nov 9, 2019 06:20:03 #
Xeriod wrote:
A friend and I plan on being in Orlando the 2nd week of December. It may not be the best time to shoot migratory birds but we would like to try to get some shots. I am familiar with Apopka Lake wildlife drive, and Merritt Island wildlife drive but maybe someone may have some better suggestions. We will spend a number of days at Orlando parks. I will be using a Tamron 150-600 and friend will have Tamron18-400.
Merritt Island is the best place to go but you could also go to the Orlando wetlands believe it or not Gatorland in the morning. Vero Beach Lake Apopka Drive also.
Nov 9, 2019 06:22:15 #
Three Lakes WMA and Joe Overstreet Landing are good spots about an hour south of Orlando. You might want to check out the Great Florida Birding Trail brochure at https://www.google.com/search?q=great+florida+birding+trail&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
Nov 9, 2019 06:22:33 #
Silverrails wrote:
The further south you travel, more "Tropical" Florida becomes, but as more of Florida land get gobbled up by Developers, with Sub-divisons and retail outlets, the Birds and Other Wildlife suffer, being dislocated to other areas. I have said before, when Air Conditioning was discovered, older people started to flock to Florida, to escape the Winter, but they forgot about Hurricanes
Developers is right. I used to live on A1A just south of satellite beach..... There's was nothing on the beach side of A1A in the 60's... I went back a few years ago and it's all highrise now for miles..
Nov 9, 2019 07:13:23 #
Xeriod wrote:
A friend and I plan on being in Orlando the 2nd week of December. It may not be the best time to shoot migratory birds but we would like to try to get some shots. I am familiar with Apopka Lake wildlife drive, and Merritt Island wildlife drive but maybe someone may have some better suggestions. We will spend a number of days at Orlando parks. I will be using a Tamron 150-600 and friend will have Tamron18-400.
Lake Apopka Wildlife trail, 7 miles of dike driving, highly rated and an excellent chance for birds in December....open only on Fri, Sat & Sun. I actually saw Whoopers there a long time ago.
Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, opens a 0630, all walking trails and free tours on the weekends.
Blackpoint Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Circle Bar B Preserve in Lakeland, another outstanding place.
Drive around the many lakes in Central Florida and you'll see tons of wildlife.
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