Florida during third week in January

Hi all,

I will be in Florida during the third week in January. I'll be participating in Denise Ippolito's Everglades photography workshop at the end of that week, but I'll have about three days prior to that on my own. I'm planning to photograph on the west coast most of that time, although may spend a morning on the east coast (relatively close to Miami) as well. What are the best places for bird photography during that time of the year? I am limited to a 300mm lens with a 1.4 extender on a cropped sensor, so I don't have ideal reach...so please consider that in your response.

Thanks,
Wendy

On the East Coast you have Green Cay Wetlands and Wakodahatchee Wetlands. I think you'd probably have better luck right now at Wako where I think nesting has begun.

On the West Coast you have Estero Lagoon down in Fort Myers and Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg. You should do well at Fort Desoto with 420mm b/c the birds are quite tame. Why don't you get on the Friends of Fort Desoto Park FB page and you'll see what people have been photographing there.

Let me know if you have any more questions, and I wish you a super trip.

I would also recommend Corkscrew Swamp which is below Naples. If you go there you need to arrive close to when it opens as when the tourist arrive about 10- 10:30 they will scare the birds away.

Steve

Was at Wakodahatchee yesterday plenty of birds and the GBH are on nest with courting behavior. Green Cay is not as busy right now. You will be able to get frame filling shots at Wako with your set up. A little early but you can also do Brian piccolo park for Burrowing Owls. On the west coast you can not beat Ft Desoto