My favorite spot

Hi Y'all,

If I had to choose one location to shoot in it would be the rookery at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

Every time I go up there during its season (April through mid June) its like taking a workshop in wildlife photography. Its easy to get shots there but to get good shots takes a fair amount of work.

Here's a few from my first visit last week.

The woodstorks are flying in for mating season

NIKON D2X    ---    280mm    f/7.1    1/2000s    ISO 200

NIKON D2X    ---    165mm    f/7.1    1/1250s    ISO 200

the great egrets are doing there "don't ya think I'm sexy" routines

NIKON D2X    ---    240mm    f/7.1    1/2500s    ISO 320

They get very expressive upon arriving at the nest

NIKON D2X    ---    195mm    f/7.1    1/1250s    ISO 200

the snowy egrets are all dressed up in their mating colors

NIKON D2X    ---    230mm    f/7.1    1/2000s    ISO 200

NIKON D200    ---    500mm    f/6.3    1/2000s    ISO 125

so are the tri-colors

NIKON D2X    ---    200mm    f/7.1    1/320s    ISO 320

everyone is working hard to look good. It should be a good season.

NIKON D200    ---    500mm    f/6.3    1/4000s    ISO 200

 

Thank you Wade.

 

Most of these were with the 70-200 and the 1.4 TC, a few were with the 80-400 and the 500.

The Alligatorn Farm is the most photographer friendly place you will find. Tripods are definitely allowed.

 

Thanks Jose and you should get up to St Augustine, its an incredible opportunity.

 

Thanks for stopping by Gary

 

Thanks John. I love shooting wood storks at the rookery.