rlowe
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by rlowe on Feb 18, 2012 19:32:19 GMT -5
I’m an amateur photographer in Oregon. I’m looking forward to visiting Florida next month. I will be working in Brunswick, GA for two weeks flying into and out of Jacksonville. After that I will have 4-5 days in late March to do some wildlife photography and I would greatly appreciate a little advice. I’ve been following your forum for a few weeks and from that I’m considering visiting Merritt Island NWR, Viera Wetlands, Orlando Wetlands Park, and the rookery at Gatorland. Is the Gatorland rookery the better choice or should I consider the one in St. Augustine? Is there a reliable location anywhere close in this general part of the state to see manatee? I know it is a bit of a drive and perhaps the timing is not good, but would it be worth it to also drive down the Ding Darling NWR for a day of shooting? I could drive after dark so I am not burning valuable shooting time. I may be coming back to Florida in late October so I could also hit Ding Darling then.
Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Can’t wait to get there
Roy
PS. If I have the weekend off any recommendations for wildlife photography near Brunswick?
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Post by FLCracker on Feb 25, 2012 17:30:38 GMT -5
All your Florida choices look good to me. I prefer St Augustine over Gatorland but I haven't been to either one in a long time. If you have free time in Brunswick I'd recommend Cumberland Island, Sapelo Island or drive inland and go to Okefenokee Swamp. If you get near Darien Georgia you can get some great shots of the shrimp boats. Crooked River state park is also nice. Finally - if you've never been to Savannah it's worth a visit even though it doesn't fill your desire to do some wildlife photography. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
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Post by Tom Brewer on Feb 26, 2012 13:27:45 GMT -5
If you make it down to Melbourne, I suggest you stay at the Holiday Inn at the intersection of Wickham Road and I-95. That puts you about 10-15 minutes from the Viera Wetlands, the "Click" Ponds, and Moccasin Island Tract. Those 3 are right by each other and easy to find. It also puts you about 45 minutes south of MINWR, which includes Black Point Wildlife Drive and Bio-lab Road. GOOD LUCK!!!
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Post by Tom Brewer on Feb 26, 2012 18:13:14 GMT -5
I forgot to add---there is a manatee viewing area right by the draw-bridge on State Road 3. It is actually inside MINWR. Look on your map for HAULOVER CANAL. It connects the Indian/Bannana River area to MOSQUITO LAGOON. There is a sign for it. Also, if you want a shot of a SCRUB JAY, they are normally all around the fee-pay booth at the entrance to PLAYALINDA BEACH. All are accessible of I-95--JUST WATCH FOR THE SIGNS coming south from Jacksonville. The exit is also called the GARDEN STREET exit. Your visit will be in "prime time" Have fun---and GOOD LUCK!!!
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rlowe
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by rlowe on Feb 27, 2012 0:39:35 GMT -5
Ron - Thanks so much for the reply and suggestions for Brunswick and coastal Georgia area. I'll definitely have to secure a rental car for the weekend to get around.
Tom - Thanks to you as well for all the details and directions including the hotel recommendations. This really helps an out of state person! I've been enjoying everyone's daily posts/photos and can't wait to get there. I tried to post a photo in the out of state forum from my Flickr account, but the photo doesn't seem to come through for me.
Thanks again Ron & Tom!
Roy
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Post by Tom Brewer on Feb 27, 2012 7:43:07 GMT -5
Another forum member is OLDNED. You might want to contact him prior to your visit. He gives beginner birding classes/tours at MINWR. Don't know his current schedule, but anybody who can identify a shore bird has to be good---he can.
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rlowe
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by rlowe on Feb 27, 2012 22:34:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestion Tom. This web site is really great. Following your previous response I was able to find the locations of the Click ponds and the Moccasin Island tract in a different forum on the site.
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