Nature Photography Florida

For nature photography Florida is a fantastic place, especially for birds. The great thing about Florida bird photography is the sheer number of places that provide great photographic opportunities.

The first thing you should do is have a look at the trail guides for the “Great Florida Birding Trail” and check out some of the places that are close to wherever you are in Florida. The guide contains details of over 450 sites that have been selected throughout Florida for their excellent bird watching opportunities.

They won’t all be ideal for photography because you'll need to consider things that a bird watcher wouldn't be concerned with such as lighting and composition but plenty of them are.

May, June and July are three of the best months for nature photography Florida has to offer because it’s the main breeding time where the birds are in their bright breeding plumage. By the end of October most migrating warblers and songbirds birds have already passed through and overwintering birds are settling in.

The map below shows some of the hotspots and afterwards their's a brief description of each one. If you visit any of these places then I hope you have a great time and get some great images.

If you want to know more about general photography in Florida then Cheryl at Florida Photography has lived there all of her life and has a great site about it.

View Nature Photography Florida Locations in a larger map

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Wakodahatchee Wetlands was created by re-claiming 50 acres of unused utilities land back to nature. Its name translates as “created waters” and every day two million gallons of highly treated waste water is pumped in. The wetlands work to further cleanse the water and a three-quarter mile walkway has been built above it.

This has attracted a huge variety of animals including turtles, frogs, alligators and birds – all great for photography. Virtually every water bird native to Southeast Florida can be seen here and over 140 species have been spotted.

It is open from dawn to dusk. Go early morning or at dusk not only to get the best light, but to avoid the joggers who can occasionally cause problems for photographers by creating vibrations on the boardwalk.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

The rookery at St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a great place for photographing Herons, Egrets, Spoonbills and Wood Storks in their natural environment. They roost above the Alligators who provide protection from tree climbing predators.

The best time to go is between March and September. It opens at 9 a.m. but if you purchase a photo pass you can go in at 8 a.m. and make the most of the better light.

Gatorland

Gatorland also has a rookery that’s good for photographing birds that nest and roost above the Alligators for protection. The best time to go is between February and July when the birds are nesting. There can be a lot of new born chicks at the start of April.

To get the best light go for their “Dawn to Dusk” ticket. This operates from February to June on Wednesdays to Sundays. It provides entry at 7:30 and exit at dusk. Alternatively you can buy a day ticket and pay an extra $10 to stay until dusk.

Wood Stork, White Ibis, Tricolored Heron, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Black Crowned Night Heron, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron and Great Egret are some of the birds that you’ll be able to photograph there.

Venice Rookery

Venice Rookery is on a small island in the middle of a small lake in the town of Venice. There are plenty of Great Blue Heron and Great Egrets to photograph during nesting and lots of visiting birds such as Anhinga and Night Herons. It is a Mecca for bird photographers because of the ideal position of the nests.

The best time of year to visit for photography is from late October to April. February and March are great for nesting behaviour.

Shark Valley, Everglades National Park

Shark Valley is at the heart of the Everglades National Park. Anhinga, white Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Osprey, Snowy Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Common Moorhen and Purple Gallinules are some of the birds that can be photographed. The best time to visit is early morning for the best light between September and April.

For Nature Photography Florida has a lot to offer. The following articles will help you make the most of it.

Bird Photography
How to take spectacular shots when photographing wild birds.

Photographing Birds in Flight

Light
How to make the most of light when photographing wildlife.