April Florida Visit

[Adrian McGarry]

I am brand new to the forum but I am excited to share images and experiences with all in this community. To that end, I am visiting Florida for 2 weeks in April specifically to photograph birds!!!

I am putting together an itinerary which includes the obvious loacations: Gatorland Orlando, Alligator Farm St Augustine, Ding Darling Sanibel, Lovers Key and Corkscrew swamp.

Has anybody got suggestions for 'hot' locations for me to add to my schedule, I'm especially interested in Bald Eagles but not exclusively.

Many thanks.

[Harold Davis]

i know lover's key has specific hours. i might scratch that one and add little estero lagoon.

have a great trip!!

[Don Lacy]

I would also skip Ding Darling and Cork Screw swamp unless you just want go bird watching and would add Ft Desoto, Viera, and Joe Overstreet check with Kissimmee Swamp tours http://www.kissimmeeswamptours.com/ at Joe Overstreet if your interested in Snail Kites. Also Wakodahatchee should have Least Bitterns nesting in april.

[Adrian McGarry]

Thanks to Harold and Don for your prompt replies and valuable information.

I have some time booked in the Sanibel/Fort Myers Beach area, I know this area from previous family vacations (when photography time has been squeezed between keeping the family occupied) and I have got great Pelican, Osprey shots at places like Bowditch Point, in around Fort Myers Beach and near Sanibel lighthouse. This trip is 100% my time :) so I want to pack as may opportunities in as possible.

Given your advice and my hotel booking can you suggest alternatives to the locations that you say I should scratch in this area?

If anyone else would like to chip-in with suggestions then I would be really grateful, by the way it's the last 2 weeks in April that I will be visiting.

Many thanks.

[Fabs Forns]

You may find this of interest:
http://myfwc.com/eagle/eaglenests/nestlocator.aspx

[Adrian McGarry]

Wow, Great tool Fabs - thanks very much for the link, I'm sure this will help.

[David Smith]

Adrian:

If you have the time, don't overlook Myakka State Park. It is just East of Sarasota on Rt #72.. It is excellent this time of year..


Dave

[Adrian McGarry]

Thanks Dave

I've Googled Myakka State Park - it looks good - and I've added it to my growing list of venues.

Adrian

[Adams Serra]

Hi Adrian,
I would suggest Estero lagoon and bunch bch.

[irispatch]

Oh yes Myakka & DeSota are good spots. I caught a Limpkin family last year in Myakka parents with 7 hatchlings right down from the boat launch.
South of St Augustine is Viera wet lands a great spot for Herons, Egrets, Ibis, Spoonbills some times. Carcara nest there, Bald Eagles, Osprey, ' gaters, large softshell turtles and a load of small birds.

[Kathy S . Gillentine]

Bunchee beach is a great place to see skimmers, and at dog beach south pass Lovers Key is a great spot to find Roseate spoonbills

[Adrian McGarry]

Thanks Kathy. Roseate Spoonbills are high on my agenda as I have not managed to get any decent images on my previous visits.

[Michael Pancier]

Thanks Kathy. Roseate Spoonbills are high on my agenda as I have not managed to get any decent images on my previous visits.

If spoons are high on your list, try to book a morning with Capn James. I have tons of pics from last Saturday and enough to satisfy my spoon fix for some time.