Where to photograph wildlife (birds} near Orlando (Page 2): If you want to see Scrub Jays, you might see them at Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary. I've not seen them anywhere else.

PGJR Loc: 33868

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.

If you want to see Scrub Jays, you might see them at Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary. I've not seen them anywhere else. I don't think it's too far from Merritt Island. If you get to St. Pete there's Fort De Soto park that I've photographed migratory birds. Enjoy!
Paul

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

nimbushopper wrote:

Definitely go to the Circle B Bar preserve in Lakeland, a short drive from Orlando.

Second this. Requires walking. As does the Orlando Wetlands in Christmas. The Black Point Drive in the Merritt Island Wildlife Preserve is a nice drive, with places you can get out and walk if you wish. You might make a day of that trip and visit the Kennedy Space Center also.

I am not sure how busy the rookery area of Gatorland will be this time of year - but during nesting season it is fantastic - you can be within 2-3 feet of the nests of herons and egrets.

motorman Loc: greenville nc

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.

Just a thought. years ago i visited this place https://www.butterflyworld.com/plan-your-visit-admission-rates/. Not sure how it is today but back then it had some great photo ops.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

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.

You have several choices, depending on how far you want to drive, Lyonia Preserve, Orlando Wetlands, Merrit island national wildlife refuge (depends), Circle B Bar Reserve, Gatorland, Viera Wetlands, Fort De Soto Park, Stick Marsh, and West Regional Wastewater Wetlands.
I strongly suggest the book, Florida Birding, A guide to the best birding locations in the sunshine state, by Mark Smith, to anyone interested in photographing birds in Florida.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

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.

And one that was not mentioned:
Blue Springs State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park

Enjoy,
Mark

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

I usually check the "Great Florida Birding Trail" because there are literally hundreds of small spots that can be missed if you blink an eye while driving past.

limeybiker

https://www.floridastateparks.org/
Whooping cranes at Paynes Prairie
Manatees and Scrub Jays at Blue Springs

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

RustyM wrote:

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

Yes, Joe Overstreet landing on Lake Kissimmee can be hit or miss, Veterans get in FREE at Gatorland and do not forget Viera. If possible, Sebastion Inlet can also be quite good - see Mark Smith's videos !
.

pilot64 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Viera Wetlands in Melbourne FL. Garorland in Kissimmee during Feb-April.

Bmerriman

Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas Fla is where I frequent for lots of birds!

vkb

nimbushopper wrote:

Definitely go to the Circle B Bar preserve in Lakeland, a short drive from Orlando.

amazing...we go to Lakeland a lot as we have family there...will make sure to check it out next visit !!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

vkb wrote:

amazing...we go to Lakeland a lot as we have family there...will make sure to check it out next visit !!

If you can plan ahead, you can call and make reservations on the guided ride. Well worth it.

MNgpsy68 Loc: Southern Minnesota

My son an I Toured NASA and watched Space X launch a rocket last December. Afterward we went to Merrit Island, which is right next to NASA. We found the Audubon driving trail around sunset and got great pictures of flocks of herons moving for the night. Everglades National Park is another great place. You will be literally feet away from birds and alligators there.

taken along the Audubon driving trail on Merritt Island

Taken at Everglades National Park

Sharon B Loc: Orlando, FL

non-migratory, however...Animal Kingdom park will have many bird areas as well as a show called Winged Encounters. If you’re not planning on going into the park, you can visit Animal Kingdom Lodge and spend some tine at their savannah viewing areas. No guarantee of birds vs other animals but it’s a good way to see some of those exotic species without paying for park admission.

Someone else mentioned Circle Bar B Ranch in Lakeland. They have several walking paths for birding and also a good stretch for alligator spotting. I stopped counting gators after getting to 40 on my last trip!

Bunkershot Loc: Central Florida

Check out the Viera Wetlands....south of Merritt Island