Folks:
It has been such a lovely winter in Boston that it is with deep regret that I must abandon the city in order to assist a friend with ferrying his family to Florida for the upcoming week. Would anyone like to get together for coffee in Naples, Florida on Wednesday, March 25? Or join me for a bird photography outing in the Corkscrew Swamp sanctuary or perhaps out on Sanibel? Please email if interested.
Thanks!
p.s. Suggestions for photography in the Naples area would be welcome. I’m mostly going to be testing out a Canon EF 200-400mm
You’ll find there are as many Bostonians in Fort Myers as in Boston.
The places you mentioned are great, of course. The Venice rookery is excellent for photography but it’s a drive from Naples. Tiger Tail on Marco Island is probably the easiest way to get plovers (there are also Burrowing Owls right near the beach parking lot exist). If you do go to Sanibel, also check out Bunche Beach if the tide is right, for shorebirds. The most reliable place to get Snail Kites and Limpkins in the area is at Harnes Marsh, which is in Lehigh Acres. There’s a Florida Scrub Jay site a few min drive from the marsh.
For coffee, visit LaPlaya Beach Hotel on Vanderbilt Beach. Coffee is very good, and free to guests. The room rate can be steep, especially in-season, but coffee is a nice gesture. Go early, valet your car, grab a coff at from the urn on the bar, look at some tremendous b&w prints in Baleen’s (the restaurant) and head out to the beach. It’s a full 20 or 30 steps. Doubtful anyone would know you’re not a guest. Also a wonderful place for a drink and sunset view. I’ve had some good successes at Corkscrew, and I’m sure you will too. Clyde Butcher is the go-to Everglades photographer. Try to make it to his Big Cypress gallery. Viewing his work is a serious treat.
Phil – drive out to the east side of Naples on 41. Between St. Andrews and Collier, you’ll see a big park on the north side of the road; Eagle Lake. This lake has numerous species of birds, including roseate spoonbills and storks, as well as lots of big alligators!
Another place is the nature trail around the far side of Sugden Lake, on the south side of 41 East, between downtown and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.
Corkscrew is absolutely spectacular, particularly around dawn and dusk, but is a fair hike outside of Naples. You could hit both Ding Darling Preserve on Sanibel and Corkscrew in one day if you push it.
Tigertail in Marco Island is good too, but you’ll run into lots of traffic & construction obstacles on Collier Boulevard between 41 and central Marco Island. Part of the obstruction is a new bridge that obstructs access to the Marco street that leads to Tigertail (there is an eagle roost on that street – look for a large undeveloped lot on the left just after turning off the main drag). Just outside of the park, you’ll see burrowing owls and tortoises on the side of the street, unfortunately too close to new construction.
On your way from Naples to Marco, look for Shell Road on the right as you’re driving south on Collier Boulevard south of 41. It is undeveloped, and leads out to a wildlife sanctuary.
If you’re coming from Miami, about 75 miles east of Naples on 41 you’ll see the tiny settlement of Monroe Station. Loop Road goes from there back east through Big Cypress National Park for about 20 miles. The middle third is thickly populated with birds, alligators, etc. I saw an otter there about 2 weeks ago.
While you’re in Naples, try Captain Marco’s on Airport Pulling Road – great Cuban / seafood. Driving between Naples and Marco, there’s a breakfast / lunch place near Lowe’s, called Hoots, that’s pretty good too. Our favorite rib / BBQ place is Mickelbob’s, also on Airport Pulling Road. Just outside of Ding Darling Preserve on Sanibel, try Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grill.