Bird photography in Orlando in March 2017

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Dear all,
I will be visiting Orlando for 4 days from 2nd to 6th march. Planning on some birding in and around Orlando. Need some advice. Am looking at Gatorland. Any other suggestions please. Will be carrying my 100-400 II L lens on my 7D II or 5D3. Should I carry the 70-200 2.8 II too? Thanks in advance.
regards,
Sanjeev

[Marina Scarr]

I would make Gatorland a definite stop. Check on their website to see which days are the photography days so they open early. I think it's Thursday through Sunday.

I would also check out Circle B Bar Reserve which is pretty close to Circle B.

You'll be happy shooting at these 2 spots. I would use both bodies & lenses.

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Thanks Marina for the info. I really appreciate it. Will post some images upon my return.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Sanjeev, Gatorland can guarantee birds. I have been there the last two Thursdays, the Great and Snowy Egrets are there in numbers displaying and nesting. A few chick's have hatched. It opens at 7:30 am Thursday through Sunday. A single day photographer's pass costs $20, which can be paid in cash at the south gate. The photography is from a boardwalk that runs through the rookery at the alligator breeding pond.

You also might consider Circle B Bar Reserve (as Marina suggested) which is south of Lakeland, Florida. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, especially Black Point Wildlife Drive can be good.

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Dear Marina & Joseph, thank you for your advice. I had a good trip and I visited Gatorland & got some nice images. I also did the AirBoat ride on Lake Tohopekaliga & that gave e a few opportunities of seeing and photographing snail kites, Bald Eagle etc.
I will post some in Avian forum.
Thank you once again.
Regards,
Sanjeev

[Marina Scarr]

Glad you had a good trip. Looking forward to your images!