SPRINGTIME IN THE SWAMP

I made another visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, got a late start, and the Sun was too high for best exposure. The Wood Stork and Great Egret chicks are big, and loud, constantly demanding to be fed. I still haven't seen all I want to see this year, it will take another visit.

ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM ROOKERY

I spent several hours on Wednesday at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Rookery. It is a paradise for bird watchers and bird photographers.
Breeding and nesting season is at it's peak, and the rookery offers a chance to see and photograph Florida wading birds from up close.
I can't praise the gator farm enough, it is a fine zoological park.
The birds aren't captive, they're wild and free. The rookery provides an ideal place for nesting, and significantly increases our bird population.

Here Comes Winter Again!

Below freezing temps predicted tonight and tomorrow, but the Sun will be visible! Photography inside a cloud bank isn't much fun, all the colors get lost.
I installed a new ballhead on my tripod, the original was poor quality, just wouldn't hold steady enough for long shots. Stabilized optics only do so much, a solid tripod is needed. I often hang extra glass on my cameras, and that makes things even trickier.

It's time to start planning for nesting season at the St.Augustine Alligator Farm. A great way to keep up with what's happening there is http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/birdrookery/?yguid=299677375
You can take pictures that would cost many thousands of dollars in travel expenses, if you actually set out across the boonies, and you'd be unlikely to get as close to the action.

Alligator Farm Report

Word from the gator farm is that the Great Egrets are getting down to business building nests. The other birds will be right behind them. This Saturday the season photo pass will begin to allow early admittance to the park. If you plan on several visits this is a great way to save some money.