Insider Advice for Florida Tour?

[Chuck Nakell]

We are making a first timer's, self-guided loop round the Florida coast February 2nd thru the 16th.
We will go from St. Pete
to Sanibel
to Venice
to Naples
to Florida City (Everglades)
to Delray Beach area
to Merritt Island and end in Sarasota (for some nonbiridng activities).
Beyond hitting the usual known hotspots (Ding Darling, Corkscrew, et) where might we head to see spoonbills, owls and wood storks?
Any suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks Much, Chuck

[Chuck Nakell]

I did find this: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1121625

[Garry Gibson]

Well you'll go to Venice before Sanibel, just for what it's worth. If I go to Sanibel I surely would
go to Bunche Beach since it's only a mile before the bridge to Sanibel.
As I left Naples, I would go down 29S take 41 over to Miami. Lots of stuff right along
the road and you can stop and see Clyde Butchers gallery as it's right on the way.
Also on the way I would stop at Shark Valley. Always birds there plus usually many opportunites
for some great alligator shots. Its a long way around Shark Valley so it might be worth it to rent a bike.

Good luck, should be a great trip.

[Chuck Nakell]

Thanks, Gary.

[Marina Scarr]

Chuck, I have sent you a long PM with information which I hope will be helpful in planning your trip.

[Chuck Nakell]

I got your message last night. Great information. Very helpful. Thanks much for taking the time to think about my plans.

Best, Chuck

[KurtWecker]

I'm going for the first time also. For 8 days, landing this Sunday in Orlando. Going right to Merritt Island. Hope to get some great images... Thanks for a nice forum to study some good spots to hit. Hopefully I'll run into some helpfull folks to point me around.

Kurt

[Chuck Nakell]

Since you are 5 days ahead of us in landing in Florida, and we go first to the west coast side then east later...I may e-mail you to get a report. : )

Chuck

[KurtWecker]

Hi Chuck.. Sure be happy to report. I'll be posting some stuff on my flickr page as the days go by if I get a chance. Otherwise feel free to email me. kurtwecker@comcast.net

I can't wait to go!! :S3:

Kurt

[fabiobernardino]

Hello. I intend to do this next April, 2015.
Arriving in Tampa, for sure Fort de Soto and final destination Miami.
Suggestions on the route and stops are welcomed.
Fixed dates:
- Arrival April,9th Tampa
- Arrival April,21th Miami (by car)
- Going away from Miami Arrival April,28th

I am reading all those Florida posts. ;)

[Marina Scarr]

Hi Fabio: The best thing you can do is to go back and read the previous Florida posts which you appear to have done. If you are arriving in Tampa, you came to the right place. Fort Desoto Park is nearby and a great place to photograph. You will also wish to visit Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida which is about 40 mins from Tampa. If you "like" their Facebook page, you will find out what is going on on a daily basis. As the time gets closer, stay in touch and I"ll give you all the information I can find.

[fabiobernardino]

Marina, I was in Lakeland last year (2 days at Circle B).
I liked the FB group but the admins never let me in.
This time I intend to arrive by Tampa and exit from Miami.
I'll rent a car and my plan is to go to the main hotspots, Fort de Soto is the principal one this time.
Circle B was indeed very good, Marsh Rabbit Run was closed so I'd like to go back just to know this trail.
But there is so many places to go and so little time ... ;)