Great place for Bird Photographers

[sherilocks]

in St. Augustine, Florida. Don't get put off by the name. I usually go there in the spring months. A photographer's pass for visits anytime is available, around $60, includes a photo contest. You can get unbelievably close to the nesting birds.

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In the mid 1970’s the St Augustine Alligator Farm expanded its Alligator Swamp exhibit and inadvertently developed an outstanding natural bird rookery. Among other changes, the boardwalk was extended through the swamp and more alligators were added. Although the alligator farm has always been a popular spot for wading birds to roost, the enhancement of the swamp created a unique nesting opportunity for them. The additional alligators provided a protection from arboreal predators such as raccoons, opossums, and snakes. Although the birds do lose some hatchlings to the alligators, their losses are far fewer than if predators raided their nests. The extended boardwalk enabled visitors to view nesting birds virtually feet away. Over the years, the rookery has grown in size to what it is today, one of the largest natural bird rookeries in the state of Florida.
<snip>

http://www.alligatorfarm.com/

Another central Florida bird spot:

The city dump west of Daytona Beach has a huge population of eagles. Bring a long lens because I don't know if they will let you in to take pictures, but you can see them easily from the road.

[amazona]

1. another good place

This one near Lafayette, Louisiana, called Lake Martin. Excellent rookery with lots of Roseate Spoonbills using it in recent years.

http://www.naturescapes.net/072004/cb0704.htm

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[sherilocks]

2. The photos at the website are worth a look by anyone,

bird photographer or not. Beautiful. Thanks.