Gatorland & Bird Rookery — Orlando, FL
Details
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From February through early June photographers and birding enthusiasts can enter the park at 7:00 am Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and stay until dusk on every Saturday. The famous Gatorland Bird Rookery was created in 1991 as an alligator breeding marsh. This unique habitat has grown into one of the largest and most accessible wading bird rookeries in Florida. Today, this area provides protected nesting, foraging, and roosting area to over 20 different species of birds, many of which are listed as Endangered or Species of Special Concern. Gatorland's boardwalks provide birders and photographers with close access to these incredible birds, allowing people to safely observe them and capture stunning photographs.
Car pooling will be available and we'll meet in the Target parking lot at Clearwater Mall and leave the Mall at 5:15 AM. If you're interested in car pooling please leave a comment below.
Expect to photograph Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, White Ibis, Tri-colored Hereon, Great Blue Heron, Wood Stork, Little Blue Heron and much more. You are so close to the birds that you can literally reach out and put your hand into the nest.
(Must meet at the South Gate for Early Entry between 7:00 — 8 am.)
The early entry program for photographers has been reinstituted for 2018. The Photogrpahers Pass is $30 for a single day and $80 for the year. The cost of the single day may be credited towards the annual pass the day of the visit.
The Photographers Pass allows entry Friday, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:00 AM and you can stay till dusk on Saturdays. The early arrival allows for photographing the birds and meets during the best light.
2018 Single Day Photo Pass ($25): This pass provides a one-day admission with early admission at 7:30 am Thursday through Sunday.This does not include any late access. The Early Admission Pass can not be purchased online. Please bring exact change ($20 + $5 bill) to enter.
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Upcoming 2018 FCCP PhotoTours
Ghost Towns & Spring Wildflowers, Western Montana — May 16 ~ 22, 2018 ( https://www.meetup.com/Florida-Center-Creative-Photography/events/242874394/ )
Ghost Towns & Spring Wildflowers, Western Montana — May 23 ~ 29, 2018 ( https://www.meetup.com/Florida-Center-Creative-Photography/events/246175160/ )
Yellowstone/Tetons Wildlife with Fall Colors — September 19 ~ 25, 2018 ( https://www.meetup.com/Florida-Center-Creative-Photography/events/244223235/
Yosemite, Light and Landscapes — October 24 ~ 30, 2018 ( https://www.meetup.com/Florida-Center-Creative-Photography/events/244643761/ )
Yellowstone in Winter — Feb/March 2019
Ghost Towns & Spring Wildflowers, Western Montana — May 2019
Yellowstone/Tetons Wildlife with Fall Colors — September 2019
Fall Colors & Lighthouses, Acadia National Park/Portland — October 2019
Polar Bears & Northern Lights, Churchill, MB — Oct/Nov 2019
My Recommended Retailers
Where you buy your gear matters. You expect to get what you ordered and you want to pay a low price for it. The retailers I recommend below are the ones I trust for my own purchases.
B & H Photo and Video ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Great-Deals/ci/16478/N/4280521071?BI=4308&KW=&KBID=4736 )
Adorama - The Photography People ( http://www.adorama.com/?kbid=64386 )
Lensrental.com — Rent the Best Cameras & Lenses Available ( http://www.pjatr.com/t/TUJGRktHSkJGS0dJS0xCRkpOSkVN )
Bringing you the activities and this site is now a full time job (typically 60-80 hours per week). Thus, I depend on membership fees and on the commissions received from you using the links on this site to make any purchases. My family and I are grateful for your support! - Jeff
FCCP Membership Options:
Reminder to Pay Your Monthly/Annual Optional Dues ( https://www.meetup.com/Florida-Center-Creative-Photography/events/240801300/ )