Calling all Birders - where should I go?

kriyababaji

In April/May I am planning a trip to photograph birds. Two places I would like to check out.

1. St. Augustine Alligator farm in Florida

or

2. Martin Lake in Louisianna

My biggest lens is a 200-400 f4 VR. I don't think I need anything bigger at the alligator farm, but not sure about Martin Lake. Which is going to have better photo ops and less photographers, if possible.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

thanks shane

Harryb

Hey Shane,

I have never shot at Martin Lake so i can't compare the two locations. I have shot a bit up at St. Augustine and its an excellent place to shoot in April/May.

The rookery in the Alligator Farm has lots of photo ops and isn't too crowded on week days. Most of the tourists give the rookery a quick once over and concentrate on the gators and crocs.

By May you have wood storks, great egrets, tricolor herons, snowy egrets, cattle egrets and little blue herons nesting and tending to their chicks. A few green herons have started to nest there recently also and roseate spoonbills roost but don't nest there.

Osprey Whisperer

One of my favorite places is Gatorland. It's usually crowded..but if you are bringing the family..they can keep entertained while you shoot.

http://www.gatorland.com/tour/virtual_tour.html

Nice thing about this place is that you can get tons of natural looking photos...without worrying about snakes, alligators, bears and fire ants. The downside is it costs to get in.

The birds are always cooperative and long glass is not needed to capture some wall hangers. Ideal for the photographer in my opinion. Great place...especially during breeding season. You also get some pretty cool pics of the 'gators.

jwear

go by Harry's bring a bean bag and a beer and do the car shoot