Florida Willdife Shoot

HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
edited February 13, 2006 in Wildlife
Hi You'll,


I am coordinating a wildlife shoot for members of the Nikon Cafe and Dgrin. I'm extending an invitation to all interested Dgrinners to join us for what is becoming an annual event. We will be having the Merritt Island III shoot during the period of 2/7/06 – 2/13/06. The shoot will include a number of the best wildlife shooting locations on and around Florida’s Space Coast. This is a prime time of the year to shoot in the area as the migratory birds are present and the rookeries are just beginning to become active. Some of the birds shot at past shoots includes but is not limited to: herons (great blues, tri-colors, little blues, greens, and night herons); egrets (greats, snowys, cattle, and the uncommon reddish egret); limpkins; ibis (white & glossy); anhinga and cormorants; ospreys; crested caracaras, bald eagles, hawks (broad-winger and red-shouldered), terns, ducks (black-bellied whistling ducks, blue winged teals, mallards, northern shovelers, grebes), stilts, yellow legs, shrikes, killdeers, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, sandpipers.





The shooting locations that I have checked out so far include:



The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge (Blackpoint Drive) http://www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr/



The Viera Wetlands http://spacecoastbirding.com/#viera



Sebastian Inlet http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/default.cfm



The Blue Heron Wetlands http://spacecoastbirding.com/#heron



The rookery at The Alligator Farm in St. Augustine http://www.alligatorfarm.com/





Also under consideration are



The Orlando Wetlands http://spacecoastbirding.com/#wetlands



Pelican Island http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/



The rookery at The Gator Farm in Orlando



This is a great opportunity to meet with other photographers and shoot at some of the best wildlife locations on Florida’s Atlantic coast.



The best airport to arrive at is the Orlando Internatonal Airport. It’s about a 45 minute drive from there to Melbourne. There is a closer airport in Melbourne itself but fares into Melbourne are usually much higher than flights into Orlando.



I will be arranging group rates with one of the local hotels/ motels in the next two weeks. I would expect the room rate to be around $55-$60/night.





Everybody who has attended one of the shoots in the past had had a great time and has returned home with some incredible photographs. Here are some links to my own galleries from past shoots:



http://behret.smugmug.com/gallery/578649



http://www.pbase.com/hpb/nikon_forum_shoot





If you wish to attend PM me or post here. I will be providing updated information on the shoot as I get more info.
Harry
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
«13

Comments

  • Michael AllenMichael Allen Registered Users Posts: 196 Major grins
    edited November 9, 2005
    Is this open to cannon owners also? And is a one or two day join possible? I live on the gulf coast and could possibly join up for a couple days depending on work.
    -Mike
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 9, 2005
    Michael Allen wrote:
    Is this open to cannon owners also? And is a one or two day join possible? I live on the gulf coast and could possibly join up for a couple days depending on work.
    Absolutely Mike. There are some Canon shooters in the Nikon Cafe. Anytime you could make it would be fine, most particpants will be there for less than the full shoot.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • GREAPERGREAPER Registered Users Posts: 3,113 Major grins
    edited November 9, 2005
    I sure would love to join you Harry, but there is no way I can squeeze in another trip.

    I hope it all goes well, I will be looking forward to being bombbarded with birds.
    http://dehmphoto.smugmug.com/

  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 9, 2005
    GREAPER wrote:
    I sure would love to join you Harry, but there is no way I can squeeze in another trip.

    I hope it all goes well, I will be looking forward to being bombbarded with birds.

    :cry
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • dragon300zxdragon300zx Registered Users Posts: 2,575 Major grins
    edited November 9, 2005
    Florida or Dgrin Shootout Hmmmm Time for some number crunching.headscratch.gif
    Everyone Has A Photographic Memory. Some Just Do Not Have Film.
    www.zxstudios.com
    http://creativedragonstudios.smugmug.com
  • klfaillaklfailla Registered Users Posts: 15 Big grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    Hi,


    I am really new to this sight and have a lot of reading to do to catch up but this one caught my eye. I live in Orlando and love shooting wildlife. I would LOVE to attend! I actually have a Gatorland Gallery in my collection.

    Please keep me informed! I would love to help any way possible.
    Kristi :tuesday

    http://kristilee.smugmug.com/

    If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    :D:D:D :uhoh
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    klfailla wrote:
    Hi,


    I am really new to this sight and have a lot of reading to do to catch up but this one caught my eye. I live in Orlando and love shooting wildlife. I would LOVE to attend! I actually have a Gatorland Gallery in my collection.

    Please keep me informed! I would love to help any way possible.
    Hi Klfailla,


    WELCOME TO DGRIN
    clap.gifthumb.gif :jose cheerleader.gif10944573-Ti.giffriday.gifbeer.gifDJ.gif :slurp wave.gif

    I will definitely keep you informed as things get set. If you have your Gatorland gallery on line I would love to see it. I haven't shot there yet. How is it for shooting ?
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • SkippySkippy Registered Users Posts: 12,075 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    Dang You Harry !
    Harryb wrote:
    Hi You'll,
    I am coordinating a wildlife shoot for members of the Nikon Cafe and Dgrin. I'm extending an invitation to all interested Dgrinners to join us for what is becoming an annual event. We will be having the Merritt Island III shoot during the period of 2/7/06 – 2/13/06. The shoot will include a number of the best wildlife shooting locations on and around Florida’s Space Coast. This is a prime time of the year to shoot in the area as the migratory birds are present and the rookeries are just beginning to become active. Some of the birds shot at past shoots includes but is not limited to: herons (great blues, tri-colors, little blues, greens, and night herons); egrets (greats, snowys, cattle, and the uncommon reddish egret); limpkins; ibis (white & glossy); anhinga and cormorants; ospreys; crested caracaras, bald eagles, hawks (broad-winger and red-shouldered), terns, ducks (black-bellied whistling ducks, blue winged teals, mallards, northern shovelers, grebes), stilts, yellow legs, shrikes, killdeers, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, sandpipers.
    The shooting locations that I have checked out so far include:
    The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge (Blackpoint Drive) http://www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr/
    The Viera Wetlands http://spacecoastbirding.com/#viera
    Sebastian Inlet http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/default.cfm
    The Blue Heron Wetlands http://spacecoastbirding.com/#heron
    The rookery at The Alligator Farm in St. Augustine http://www.alligatorfarm.com/
    Also under consideration are
    The Orlando Wetlands http://spacecoastbirding.com/#wetlands
    Pelican Island http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/
    The rookery at The Gator Farm in Orlando
    This is a great opportunity to meet with other photographers and shoot at some of the best wildlife locations on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
    The best airport to arrive at is the Orlando Internatonal Airport. It’s about a 45 minute drive from there to Melbourne. There is a closer airport in Melbourne itself but fares into Melbourne are usually much higher than flights into Orlando.
    I will be arranging group rates with one of the local hotels/ motels in the next two weeks. I would expect the room rate to be around $55-$60/night.
    Everybody who has attended one of the shoots in the past had had a great time and has returned home with some incredible photographs. Here are some links to my own galleries from past shoots:
    http://behret.smugmug.com/gallery/578649
    http://www.pbase.com/hpb/nikon_forum_shoot
    If you wish to attend PM me or post here. I will be providing updated information on the shoot as I get more info.
    What are you doing to me ??? you guys are sending me crazy wanting to join you........it's just not possible....... why haven't they built a bridge yet from Autralia to America ??? what's the hold up? surely they could have had one built by now rolleyes1.gif

    Well as much as I would dearly, dearly, dearly love to join you guys it's is not possible :cry dang, dang, double dang ..... awwwww I would have loved to have been part of that trek...... Skippy (Australia) ... disappointed
    .
    Skippy (Australia) - Moderator of "HOLY MACRO" and "OTHER COOL SHOTS"

    ALBUM http://ozzieskip.smugmug.com/

    :skippy Everyone has the right to be stupid, but some people just abuse the privilege :dgrin
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    Bird Man Photographer wrote:
    :D:D:D :uhoh
    ne_nau.gifheadscratch.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    Skippy wrote:
    What are you doing to me ??? you guys are sending me crazy wanting to join you........it's just not possible....... why haven't they built a bridge yet from Autralia to America ??? what's the hold up? surely they could have had one built by now rolleyes1.gif

    Well as much as I would dearly, dearly, dearly love to join you guys it's is not possible :cry dang, dang, double dang ..... awwwww I would have loved to have been part of that trek...... Skippy (Australia) ... disappointed
    Well Skippy you will just have to save your money and come another time. I will arrange a special shoot in your honor and even round up some of the local bugs for ya.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • klfaillaklfailla Registered Users Posts: 15 Big grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    Harryb wrote:
    Hi Klfailla,


    WELCOME TO DGRIN
    clap.gifthumb.gif :jose cheerleader.gif10944573-Ti.giffriday.gifbeer.gifDJ.gif :slurp wave.gif

    I will definitely keep you informed as things get set. If you have your Gatorland gallery on line I would love to see it. I haven't shot there yet. How is it for shooting ?
    Thanks Harry, I posted a few shots I took a couple of weeks ago. I really like this site! Holy cow there is a lot to read, though!
    Kristi :tuesday

    http://kristilee.smugmug.com/

    If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    klfailla wrote:
    Thanks Harry, I posted a few shots I took a couple of weeks ago. I really like this site! Holy cow there is a lot to read, though!
    This is a great site. Just take it in at your own pace and enjoy.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited November 10, 2005
    Harryb wrote:
    ne_nau.gifheadscratch.gif
    rolleyes1.gif Sorry. Man of few words ...sometimes. Sounds cool.:D :D:D (really cool) I'll have to :uhoh :uhoh :uhoh (look around) for a ride over. thumb.gif
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • Michael AllenMichael Allen Registered Users Posts: 196 Major grins
    edited November 11, 2005
    Bird Man Photographer wrote:
    rolleyes1.gif Sorry. Man of few words ...sometimes. Sounds cool.:D :D:D (really cool) I'll have to :uhoh :uhoh :uhoh (look around) for a ride over. thumb.gif
    I'm not sure what days I'd be going yet, should be at least 2 but if your looking for a ride I'm in Pt Charlotte.
    -Mike
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited November 11, 2005
    Michael Allen wrote:
    I'm not sure what days I'd be going yet, should be at least 2 but if your looking for a ride I'm in Pt Charlotte.
    If that's an offer....thanks. I appreciate it. That could fly. thumb.gif I'm pretty open with my time...so dates probably wouldn't be an issue. I hope you're not a Nikon shooter. I'm allergic to them. rolleyes1.gif:D Just kidding. We can hash out details if you are interested in a passenger. :uhoh

    Cheers

    MM
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • John MuellerJohn Mueller Registered Users Posts: 2,555 Major grins
    edited November 11, 2005
    DAMN DAMN DAMN,the only time of the year I cant get away.This really sucks:cry:cry
    My Smuggy

    Cincinnati Smug Leader
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 11, 2005
    John Mueller wrote:
    DAMN DAMN DAMN,the only time of the year I cant get away.This really sucks:cry:cry
    Then come down some other time John. I can always put togther a few shooters to hang out with you.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited November 16, 2005
    Hey, you all who can't go, well, I can't go either. I always knew I couldn't go.

    And I can't go to the other trips either.

    I guess Harry can't go on Andy's trip.

    well, I just can't go!


    Come see me sometime!

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited November 18, 2005
    Let me just throw out an idea.................is anyone driving near the Charleston, SC area, to Harry's thing, who could give me a ride. Most likely Bill would drive me to meet you in a convenient place.

    I will not have any "real" money til the end of January. First of Feb.

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 18, 2005
    ginger_55 wrote:
    Let me just throw out an idea.................is anyone driving near the Charleston, SC area, to Harry's thing, who could give me a ride. Most likely Bill would drive me to meet you in a convenient place.

    I will not have any "real" money til the end of January. First of Feb.

    ginger
    Hey Ginger,

    I made a post at the Nikon Cafe to see if anybody could give you a lift. If I get a response I'll let you know.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 18, 2005
    Harryb wrote:
    Hey Ginger,

    I made a post at the Nikon Cafe to see if anybody could give you a lift. If I get a response I'll let you know.
    Ginger,

    I have one guy who figures he will be arriving in Charleston 2/5th and leaving Char;eston 2/6th for the shoot. Are you interested?
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited November 19, 2005
    That was fast, I think so. I probably depends on what I have to pay when.

    Last year I had my tax money by then, I assume I will again............. I hate to make rash promises and not have it happen. I don't remember exactly how everything came together so well last year. I know the govt now makes their military pension info avail on the internet in December. Then it all depends on Bill's work getting us the info.

    I can do taxes in a night, and I call to get all the other info. I am usually ready to go by mid January, or before, just waiting for something.

    How much of a deposit would I have to make, anywhere?

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 19, 2005
    ginger_55 wrote:
    That was fast, I think so. I probably depends on what I have to pay when.

    Last year I had my tax money by then, I assume I will again............. I hate to make rash promises and not have it happen. I don't remember exactly how everything came together so well last year. I know the govt now makes their military pension info avail on the internet in December. Then it all depends on Bill's work getting us the info.

    I can do taxes in a night, and I call to get all the other info. I am usually ready to go by mid January, or before, just waiting for something.

    How much of a deposit would I have to make, anywhere?

    ginger
    There's no deposit Ginger. I hope to start talking to the local hotels/motels next week to get a group or business rate. Once I get it arranged I will post the info and then you just contact the hotel/motel and make your arrangements and reservations.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • tmlphototmlphoto Registered Users Posts: 1,444 Major grins
    edited November 22, 2005
    Hey Harry,
    I would love to join you if I can. I'm only a few hours away, so I'm sure I could manage to escape for at least a couple of days. Please let me know your schedule when it is firmed up. Hmm, sound like an excuse for some long glass...mwink.gif .
    Thomas :D

    TML Photography
    tmlphoto.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 22, 2005
    tmlphoto wrote:
    Hey Harry,
    I would love to join you if I can. I'm only a few hours away, so I'm sure I could manage to escape for at least a couple of days. Please let me know your schedule when it is firmed up. Hmm, sound like an excuse for some long glass...mwink.gif .
    Will do Thomas. deal.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,703 moderator
    edited November 22, 2005
    Will my white lenses disturb the birds too much, Harry ?? I could cover them with camotape if need be.

    Count me in - Nightingale definitely wants to come too!! thumb.gif I'll miss Bosque this year though :cry
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited November 23, 2005
    pathfinder wrote:
    Will my white lenses disturb the birds too much, Harry ?? I could cover them with camotape if need be.

    Count me in - Nightingale definitely wants to come too!! thumb.gif I'll miss Bosque this year though :cry
    clap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gif

    Looking forward to meeting you.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ginger_55ginger_55 Registered Users Posts: 8,416 Major grins
    edited November 23, 2005
    At this point, I still cannot commit one way or another: dog x-rays next week. But I have the feeling that this year, or rather next, is pretty much not going the way of photography.

    Just reporting back, that thanks, but I have nothing to report............

    Have a good Thanksgiving.

    ginger
    After all is said and done, it is the sweet tea.
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,703 moderator
    edited November 23, 2005
    Harry,
    Are you going to suggest possible lodging facilities that we will all be staying in or will it be up to us to make all arrangements?

    I am just concerned about availability to a group in sunny Fla that time of year. Looking forward to putting more faces to screen names also :):
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
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