Originally Posted by
Mark Fuge
I know others have posted of the changes to the Venice Rookery in the past, but i got my first view of the "new scenery" this past week and ... well, it is very disappointing. It is hard to believe that the Audubon Society would not have had a more positive input into the changes.
For those of you who have been there in the past, but not recently, the NE quadrant of the outside pond embankment is almost devoid of vegetation following removal of the trees and underbrush. This opens the view of the white housing in the background to all shots taken that are beyond the immediate area of the island, both edge of island and flight shots. It will be years, even in Florida, for any background vegetation to reestablish itself. What effect this will have on the nesting birds will also be determined as they migrate there.
We will go back, for a few tight shots, but also plan to have alternate sites in the area so we don't waste too much time there.
Just to let travelers know what to expect from what use to be a prime birding site, which like the Alligator Farm, near Orlando, no longer is a place to want to visit regularily.