Wildlife Around Orlando, Fl? I'll be in Orlando, 3/21 - 3/26. Looking for suggestions to photograph and view wildlife (mainly birds) within 50+ miles of area. We've been to Disney...

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I'll be in Orlando, 3/21 - 3/26. Looking for suggestions to photograph and view wildlife (mainly birds) within 50+ miles of area. We've been to Disney, Blue Springs St. Park.
Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge including Black Point Drive, Orlando Wetlands, Lake Apopa Wildlife Drive (open Fri, Sat, Sun and holidays), Orlando Alligator Farm and rookery plus any spot with a little water. Also, Lake Eola and Leu Gardens in Winter Park. The last two have less wildlife but are great photo spots.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Look up the Tiffany Museum. Great open shooting.. Good restaurant diagonally across the street.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Cwilson341 wrote:

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge including Black Point Drive, Orlando Wetlands, Lake Apopa Wildlife Drive (open Fri, Sat, Sun and holidays), Orlando Alligator Farm and rookery plus any spot with a little water. Also, Lake Eola and Leu Gardens in Winter Park. The last two have less wildlife but are great photo spots.

Thanks, Carol!!
Mark

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

markngolf wrote:

I'll be in Orlando, 3/21 - 3/26. Looking for suggestions to photograph and view wildlife (mainly birds) within 50+ miles of area. We've been to Disney, Blue Springs St. Park.
Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

My wife and I were in Florida in November. I found we saw lots of birds just choosing an outside table when it was available.

CurleyB Loc: MAITLAND FL

Near Debary there is a place called the Highbanks Marina. An eco river tour works out of there that will take you to the off-shoots of the St John’s river for sights you seldom see. (https://www.stjohnsriverecotours.com/). The Swamp House Riverfront Grill is on the premises and is a true Florida treasure. I don’t have any skin in the game but obviously a big fan of both. This is where I take many out of state guests. The Black Hammock Airboat rides near Oviedo ( https://www.theblackhammock.com/) are another great opportunity, better during the winter months. I’d steer clear of the restaurants.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

CurleyB wrote:

Near Debary there is a place called the Highbanks ... (show quote)

I agree. The tour boat from High Banks takes you into some very appealing areas of the St. John’s. The gentleman who conducted the tour when I went was actually a member here but I don’t know if he still participates or not.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Cwilson341 wrote:

I agree. The tour boat from High Banks takes you into some very appealing areas of the St. John’s. The gentleman who conducted the tour when I went was actually a member here but I don’t know if he still participates or not.

We have taken similar boat on the St. John’s that embarks from Blue Springs St. Park. It was excellent!
Mark.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

markngolf wrote:

We have taken similar boat on the St. John’s that embarks from Blue Springs St. Park. It was excellent!
Mark.

The one from DeBary is a smaller vessel but I imagine the tour is similar. We had a pontoon boat for a couple of years and spent a lot of time on the river. It was great.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Cwilson341 wrote:

The one from DeBary is a smaller vessel but I imagine the tour is similar. We had a pontoon boat for a couple of years and spent a lot of time on the river. It was great.

Thanks, Carol. We’ll likely try that one. It’s closer than Blue Springs.
Mark

berryw

Definitely spend (at least) an afternoon at Gatorland. They are photographer friendly. This page has some Gatorland photos. https://www.gatorland.com/experiences/photographers-pass/

RonKoris Loc: St. Helena Island, SC

Go up 441 to MacIntosh, first right after getting into town you will usually find a flock of sandhill cranes.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

markngolf wrote:

I'll be in Orlando, 3/21 - 3/26. Looking for suggestions to photograph and view wildlife (mainly birds) within 50+ miles of area. We've been to Disney, Blue Springs St. Park.
Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

What CWilson341 said, but add Circle B Bar Reserve, never disappoints. The Alligator Farm in Orlando is called Gatorland and has a photography pass on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I believe you can get in and photography their rookery around 7:00. https://www.gatorland.com/experiences/photographers-pass/ Good Luck, Gary

miked46 Loc: Winter Springs, Florida

Gatorland has the bird lagoon which is awesome, and if you are a veteran, entry is free, this is located on US 441/17-92.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Mark, definitely go to the Circle B Bar preserve in Lakeland, not far at all from Orlando. It's free, has adequate parking(get there at sunrise) and I guarantee that you will get many of Florida's wildlife!

Here are some pictures I've taken there!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/37991479@N08/albums/72157633095236003