Best time and places to photograph birds in Florida
Dec 24, 2017 08:07:13 #
I figured this was the best forum to ask since the experts hang out here. My wife and I and a couple of photography friends are thinking about a trip to the sunshine state. I'm guessing early spring is best due to birds migrating in, but would January be not so good? Also, we would obviously include time in the everglades (probably the north area). But I've read about a lake where there are many, many Ospreys nesting. I believe a local guide will take you out on a boat. Any suggestions on a week-long general itinerary? Oh, one last question: I've always wanted to catch an egret during breeding season with the green head and puffed up feathers. When do they display like that?
Dec 24, 2017 08:20:40 #
GregWCIL wrote:
I figured this was the best forum to ask since the... (show quote)
The main period for migratory birds in Florida is from November to April.
There so many good places to photograph birds it would be near impossible to list them all. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of my favorites as is the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Have a good time shooting.
Mac
Dec 24, 2017 08:50:20 #
Thanks Mac. Most helpful. I guess I hadn't thought about birds migrating "to" Florida (no snowbird jokes here) I assumed it might be like Texas where the birds migrate on further south and then return in the March-May time period.
Dec 25, 2017 06:36:41 #
Winter is the best time for birds in Florida. So many migratory species here then. I always make a trip to the Circle B Bar ranch near Lakeland in January (a birthday present to myself) for a mountain of birds. Good Luck and safe travels, but most of all, don't dismiss the winter months for birding in Florida.
Dec 25, 2017 08:14:35 #
Geofw
Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK
GregWCIL wrote:
I figured this was the best forum to ask since the... (show quote)
Hello Greg, Circle B Bar Reserve is a great place for photographing wildlife and bird watching. They do guided bird hikes by Pam DeNeve, Pam is very knowledgable if you get chance I would recommend it.
I have attached a link to the events at Circle B. It is best to call them to put your name on the list for any activities.
http://polknature.com/news-and-events
GeofW
I forgot to mention, if you want to get some photographs of birds of prey The avian reconditioning center is a must.
https://www.arc4raptors.org/
Dec 25, 2017 08:46:26 #
Dec 25, 2017 09:02:56 #
GregWCIL wrote:
I figured this was the best forum to ask since the... (show quote)
I like mid January. My favorite places are:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/JN_Ding_Darling/visit/plan_your_visit.html
and
https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/listing/little-estero-island-critical-wildlife-area/42317
Also take a airboat boat ride.
Dec 25, 2017 10:12:33 #
K7DJJ
Loc: Spring Hill, FL
The Gatorland rookery near Orlando is a great spot.
https://www.gatorland.com/experiences/photographers-pass/
https://www.gatorland.com/experiences/photographers-pass/
Dec 25, 2017 13:06:57 #
GregWCIL wrote:
I figured this was the best forum to ask since the... (show quote)
Birds migrate south when the weather is cold and then they migrate back up north when the weather warms. These are both good times to try and capture birds that make a stop over for some R&R. Spring time is the time of year for most North American birds to mate. You'll have to check and see which birds nest in your area and look for those. For instance, we see Reddish Egrets here most of the time but when they nest they fly south so we will never see them mate or nest here in So Cal. But we do see many of the raptors nest here and some ducks etc.. Then there are the birds that you see from south of the equator that usually nest on an opposite schedule as North American birds. So watch for those like the Pintail Whydah. I don't know if those birds are in your area or not but they are here.
Dec 25, 2017 20:26:28 #
Dec 25, 2017 20:42:01 #
jbmauser wrote:
The best time is daylight. They are hard to find at night.
Lol, Merry Christmas everyone.
Jan 11, 2018 02:07:16 #
ozmerelda
Loc: Osprey, FL
The Venice Rookery is a great place for watching birds mate, nest, sit on eggs, preen, feed and raise their chicks. The golden hour is the best if you are a photographer.
At sunset the birds fly in from all over and is an amazing sight to see.
Birds are everywhere in FL. Beaches are great. Ospreys are everywhere sitting on top of the lights in the Malls.
The Celery Fields in Sarasota is worth a trip.
At sunset the birds fly in from all over and is an amazing sight to see.
Birds are everywhere in FL. Beaches are great. Ospreys are everywhere sitting on top of the lights in the Malls.
The Celery Fields in Sarasota is worth a trip.
Jan 11, 2018 11:28:03 #
jbmauser wrote:
The best time is daylight. They are hard to find at night.
Disagree.OP has an IR camera system.
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