Florida in January

[Per-Gunnar Ostby]

I am unsure where to post this question, so mods please move if necessary.

I am thinking of going to Florida for a week or so in January. Is that a good time to visit? I am looking to buy a couple of Arties's site guides but wanted a view on whether it is a god time to visit or not.

I might also be able to go in April, would that be a better time?

Many thanks for any help.

Per-Gunnar

[Don Lacy]

Where in Florida are you planning to go and what are your must have subjects, while January is good April is even better for some species especially if you are looking to get birds in breeding colors.

[Per-Gunnar Ostby]

I've never been to Florida for photography so I am very open at exploring options. I do need to do some work at looking at specific species and am just buying the BAA guides for Florida to give me some ideas.

[Don Lacy]

I would come in April and work the West Coast from Ft Desoto down to the Everglades if you are interested in shore birds, waders, and hopefully migrants at Ft Desoto you can also look for Burrowing Owls at Cape Coral I live on the East Coast and spend most of the spring months photographing on the West Coast. If you do come in January I would probably work the central part of the state and the East Coast without knowing what you want to photograph it is hard to give you more detail advice both months are good but for different species

[Stuart Hill]

Per-Gunnar,

You won't go wrong with the BAA guides. Our first time to Florida last Feb and using the guides we found everything we wanted and more. Very accurate and helpful, the information is bang on.

We found whilst shooting at different locations the local birders extremely friendly and helpful putting us on some great locations. Think the highlight was the out of the way eagle nests which info was shared once the locals realised after a long chat we weren't going to disturb.

We're back this coming Feb, this time 1 week kissimmee, 1 week further south near fort desoto. (already purchased the BAA guides!)

Shame about Gatorland and Mike leaving but sure you'll love Florida, I want to live there now!

regards.
Stu.

[Roger Clark]

Per-Gunna,

One of my favorite spots is the Venice rookery. Here is a gallery with many dates, including January.
http://www.clarkvision.com/galleries/gallery.florida.bird/

Last January at the Venice rookery, there was an annoying dead bush blocking some of the island. Has anyone been there lately and is that bush still there? Even with the bush it is still a great place January -March.

Roger

[Don Lacy]

Has anyone been there lately and is that bush still there?
Roger, Have not been their yet this year but the rookery has change since the last time you were there
http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=183186

[Cal Walters]

BBA guides are great. You can also check the Great Florida Birding Trail website. I used it when I found myself in Ft. Lauderdale and had a morning to bird and shoot.

http://floridabirdingtrail.com/

[Sivaprasad]

You are certainly in the right forum and many folks here will gladly help and guide you on where to go if you ask for specifics on what you like to see. Last year I had posted almost a very similar question about Florida and received many helpful suggestions. You might want to checkout the below thread for some suggestions.

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?50724-Florida-in-December (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?50724-Florida-in-December)

I ended up going in January instead of December. Had a great time in Central Florida. I've posted photos from my trip at http://photos.birdsofthebay.com/f2467603 These photos may also give you an idea on what you may see on these locations and help you decide.

If you need more info, feel free to ask..

Sivaprasad