![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The Alligator Farm - Home to Beautiful Winged Creatures
Your first thought when you read "Alligator Farm" might be "tourist trap," but that could not be more inaccurate. And while the alligators are wonderful and plentiful at the place fondly referred to as the "Gator Farm," it is the birds that attract the world's best photographers. The birds come each spring to the Gator Farm in St. Augustine, Florida, naturally. The gators keep tree-climbing prey away from the birds' babies. While the gators sometimes hit the trees with their tails to knock eggs out of the nests, the birds know that their babies' odds for survival are much better around the gators than without them. The Gator Farm is home to a variety of bird species, including Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Roseate Spoonbills, Ibis, Great Blue, Tricolor, Black-Crowned and Yellow-Crowned Heron, and Wood Stork. The birds fly out of the area to collect sticks for nest building, pass them to their mate, build their nests, lay their eggs, and feed their young. You can photograph all of this activity to document their life-cycle story. Round out your photography visit to the Gator Farm with a variety of other animals. The Farm is home to every living species of crocodilians in the world, including the 15-foot long "Maximo" and some albino gators. You'll also see several different types of monkeys, toucans and parrots, and various other mammals. Don't miss the feeding show usually at noon and 3:00 where the gators gobble some Brazilian River Rats -- they crunch like popcorn. Background and Directions The Farm is about an hour south of the airport in Jacksonville, Florida. It is located at 999 Anastasia Boulevard, also known as Highway A1A, just across the Bridge of Lions, in St. Augustine. Specific driving directions are available on the Gator Farm website at www.alligatorfarm.com. The Farm began in 1893, when two men started collecting alligators on Anastasia Island. It soon became a tourist attraction and the rest is history, literally (the Alligator Farm is listed on the National Register of Historical Places). The daily entrance fee for adults in 2005 is $17.95, and the Farm opens to the public at 9 am. You can buy an annual photography pass for $59 to get in precisely at 8 am through the side red door. Don't be late, or you'll likely have to wait until 9 am. The pass also is your entrance fee to the Farm's annual photography contest. The park officially closes at 6 pm. Many of the Gator Farm employees take turns staying longer for photographers to shoot through sunset. Be sure to tip the volunteers generously on your way out, because the employees are not paid by the Farm for the extra time. Shooting Tips The bird rookery is in a swamp area perfect for raising bird families. The birds build their nests in the surrounding live oak trees or elderberry bushes. The area is accessed by a long boardwalk that puts you within feet of some of those nests. Because the birds have become accustomed to human visitors, you can get very close. Be sure to give adequate space to the nesting birds, though. You'll need a mid to long range telephoto lens to capture the birds on their nests. Lenses in the 400-800 mm give you the best opportunities to photograph the chicks once hatched. The fastest focusing lenses in the range of 100-400mm will allow you to grab flight shots. Your biggest shooting challenge will be to get a clean background. The birds nest amongst the branches and leaves, so your shots may look cluttered. Look for opportunities to photograph the birds while on top of the bushes or where the background bushes are dark and full. Another approach is to zoom in tight so that your shot eliminates those intruders. Take advantage of the photographer's hours in the morning and evening. These times offer the best light and the other photographers are mindful of your purpose. Once the public arrives, which often includes groups of children, the boardwalk shakes a bit as tourists walk by. They rarely linger for long, however. Most of the birds nest on the east side of the boardwalk, so your best photographic opportunities are in the afternoon. Also, many birds return to their nests at the end of the day, so you can catch flight shots then, too. The major bird activity generally begins in March. While the nesting season varies every year, chicks usually begin to arrive in April. By late May, you'll capture many of the different phases at once since the various bird species have different nesting calendars. Many of the birds are gone by June or July, but this year the activity is still going strong into the summer months. Additional Information The Gator Farm website is www.alligatorfarm.com and is chock full of great information. It includes two "webcams" located in the rookery to get a glimpse of the bird activity. The Bird Rookery Yahoo Group provides up-to-date information on bird activity at the Gator Farm and the area. Information on how to sign up is available on the Gator Farm website. Amanda Whitaker, the Gator Farm manager, monitors the group and provides additional helpful information. We are indebted to Amanda for continuing to provide a wonderful place to photograph the birds. In sum, the Gator Farm provides one of the most convenient, comfortable and exciting places to photograph a variety of birds and their activities. Hurry to catch the action there this year, and make plans to spend time there each year from now on. You won't be disappointed. MISCELLANEOUS The Gator Farm is clean, well-maintained and provides great access to the animals. The snack bar on site sells a good variety of snacks and drinks. Restrooms are located next to the snack bar and by the entrance. Lodging in St. Augustine is relatively expensive, but is available throughout the area. Some options near the Gator Farm are: Sleep Inn, Anastasia Inn, and Scottish Inn. In downtown St. Augustine, your options include the Comfort Suites, Days Inn, Hilton and Clarion Collection. Since traffic is not a problem, you can find viable lodging options on the outskirts of town, as well, including the World Golf Village - home to two golf courses and the World Golf Hall of Fame. A trip to the Alligator Farm is fun and safe. The gators are kept securely behind barricades or swim below the boardwalk, so you don't have to worry about your being dinner for them. The normal precautions about Florida sun should be followed - wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink lots of water. The northeast coast of Florida offers wonderful photography opportunities, as well. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, and is decorated with beautiful Spanish architecture. Additional good bird photography spots are scattered throughout the area - check Anastasia State Park next door to the Gator Farm and Merritt Island in Titusville, Florida. Copyright 2005 Carolyn E. Wright All Rights Reserved --- ABOUT THE AUTHOR --- Carolyn E. Wright, Esq., has a unique legal practice aimed squarely at the needs of photographers. A pro photographer herself, Carolyn has the credentials and the experience to protect photographers. She's represented clients in multimillion dollar litigations, but also has the desire to help new photographers just starting their careers. Carolyn graduated from Emory University School of Law with a Juris Doctor, and from Tennessee Tech Univ. with a Masters of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in music. Carolyn wrote the book on photography law. "88 Secrets to the Law for Photographers," by Carolyn and well-known professional photographer, Scott Bourne, is scheduled for fall 2005 release by Olympic Mountain School Press. Carolyn also is a columnist for PhotoFocus Magazine and Naturescapes.net. Carolyn specializes in wildlife photography and her legal website is http://www.photoattorney.com
MORE RESOURCES: Can Harman Phoenix II Beat Kodak in Film Photography? The Phoblographer Why Are We Doing Film Photography Again? Fstoppers ‘Funny Business: Photography and Humor’ Review: A Lighter Lens at the Phoenix Art Museum The Wall Street Journal New photography venue to open in Dublin’s gentrifying east docklands The Art Newspaper Our go-to lenses for wildlife photography in 2025 Live Science I will never find home: A Sudanese photographer’s wartime journey The New Humanitarian The 4 Best Sony Cameras for Travel Photography The Phoblographer Book uncovers WWII era photographer’s treasure trove Las Cruces Bulletin Another round of 4-H photography judging in the books Southeast Iowa Union HARMAN Phoenix II Announced: The Rebirth of Bold Color Film DIYPhotography The life and times of Dennis Morris, the man behind some of music’s most iconic photographs It's Nice That Box Factory exhibit features upcycling, photography, poetry The Herald Palladium Why the PolarPro Warp Filter Save Photography from AI The Phoblographer The Rise of China in the Photography World The Phoblographer 6 Photographers Unveil the Hidden Realities of Depression The Phoblographer Military first as woman appointed to lead senior men's rugby team after Inter Service triumph Forces News Open for Business: Morgan Spry Photography KOLO | 8 News Now Photography Exhibit at Naugatuck's Whittemore Memorial Library PrimePublishers.com Dianne Rozak talks photography, birds and the Marblehead Lighthouse with park visitors thebeacon.net Art Beat: iPhone photography Pierce County Journal The Gear You Need to Take Epic Travel Photos, According to a Professional Photographer Sunset Magazine The Elusiveness in the Shots of Andrea Jean Varraud Collater.al Magazine ‘I was censored for a long time’: the woman who photographed Chile’s sex workers and dissidents The Guardian Shiho Fukada National Geographic SHUTTERBUGS--"Blur/Obscure /Distort: Photography and Perception" at the Norton Museum of Art Whitehot Magazine of Contemporary Art Charlie Stein: Life Without Art Sleek Magazine How can a photo be abstract? In new exhibit, four photographers weigh in Lookout Eugene-Springfield Take advantage of these 6 Maine hidden gems in your smartphone photography The Portland Press Herald The First Photograph Ever Taken (1826) Open Culture The photographer’s eye The Inquirer and Mirror Gabe Rene Photography launches photo rescue project dailytimes.com Marin resident photographs pets for personal cause Marin Independent Journal Wellcome Photography Prize 2025: When photography meets science, health and the human experience Yahoo Photographer Guy Harvey to host talk on ‘Fairfield Iconic’ exhibit Southeast Iowa Union Are You on the Social Media Platforms That Offer the Best Online Experience for the Photographer? Fstoppers Photography exhibit is a celebration of biodiversity Bucks County Herald newspaper Photographer Paz Errázuriz — a view from the margins of Chile Financial Times DIVE’s Big Shot Living Together – THE WINNERS! DIVE Magazine “Dark Clarity” Photography by Tobias Meier L'Officiel Austria Arles photography review: have photographs lost their power? Financial Times Oppo and Hasselblad extend their mission to redefine camera phone photography by promising the "next generation of mobile imaging" Digital Camera World Ron McQueeney, Longtime IMS Photographer, Dies at 80 Indianapolis Motor Speedway London Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 The Killeen Daily Herald Celebrating Humanity, Stubbornly, at Europe’s Photography Mecca The New York Times Review | When photography was born, fascination, obsession and danger followed - The Washington Post Review | When photography was born, fascination, obsession and danger followed The Washington Post National Motorsport Week Photography Competition Winner… Motorsport UK Is Sigma Working on a Dedicated Lens for Bird Photography? The Phoblographer What our photographers saw on Wednesday, July 16 Inquirer.com Let Inga Tell You: How a family of inept photographers helped spur a lifelong passion San Diego Union-Tribune These Portrait Photography Presets are Simple to Use The Phoblographer Photographer, Florist in Benefit for Preemies The SandPaper The 4 Best Travel Photography Cameras to Purchase in 2025 The Phoblographer Pick Your Own Flowers & Photography June 28-Frost Collegiate Times reFocus 2025 Color Photography Winners Redefine What It Means to See in Full Spectrum DIYPhotography LA Is a Paradise VICE Spirituality, Nature, and Performance Converge in Victoria Ruiz’s Vibrant Photographs thisiscolossal.com Visual warrior: Greene uses photography as a truth-teller The Circle News |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
RELATED ARTICLES
Underwater Digital Cameras Underwater photography's is primarily focused towards entertaining and informing the people and the users themselves about what is happening in the world of under water with the aid of photography. The advent of digital cameras has opened up new horizons for such ventures. Top of the Line Digital Cameras If you think that digital cameras are for snapshots only, then you obviously haven't heard about SLR (Single Lens Reflex) digital cameras. SLR is a type of camera which has one lens for composing the frame and capturing the image. Digital Camera Basics Digital Camera Basics? The VocabularyShopping for a digital camera can be a difficult task considering the sheer number of choices out there. The number of manufacturers, models, and price ranges that need to be sorted out make the process difficult enough, but throw in all the buzz-words that need to be understood, and even a short list of cameras can become difficult to analyze. Black & White Photography Photography is a diversified field of creating a spectral variety of art. It is a specialization that deals with different experimentations with colors, however it is also a fact that only shades of black and white can also do wonders in this zone of creative art. Color Management, the Digital Darkroom, and Adobe Photoshop PrefaceIn order to understand color management, it is important to get your hands around some of the workflow. It is also important to understand a little bit about the ICC itself. How to Buy a Digital Camera Are you buying your first digital camera? Well, you must be confused by the bewildering range of models out there. How do you know which model will suit your needs? To make things worse, digital cameras do not come cheap. Creating Personalized Photo Calendars About Personalized Photo Calendars:Photo Calendars are 12-month, wall-hanging calendars that you can create using your own digital photos and captions. As you customize your own photo calendar, you can start the calendar on whatever month and year you wish. Types of Digital Cameras If you are in the market to purchase a digital camera, you have surely seen several different types of cameras. It isnt exactly clear what the differences between the types are, and it can be confusing trying to choose the digital camera thats right for you. Choosing the Right Digital Camera Choosing the right digital camera for general use can be more challenging than actually taking a good picture. Like all things technical, digital cameras come in a vast array of styles, sizes and abilities. Digital RAW Workflow for Beginners Having an efficient work flow is essential for photographers. In the days of film, many of the tasks in the film work flow were handled by the lab. Candid Photography Candid photography is photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than technique. Your subject's focus is not on the camera, but on their current task. The Well-Dressed Photographer - Summer Outdoor photographers shoot year round. That includes the hot summer. Photography 101 Part 3 ContentEven if you feel that you already know what kind of photography you like to do, it's always a good idea to try your talent at different aspects of photography.Pictorial, this is a general term but it applies to any photographer who's goal is simply to create beautiful photos. Inspired Vision A picture is worth a thousand words, so goes a Chinese proverb. A picture of a smiling child always brings a smile to our face and a picture of hungry and sick people always arouse feelings of compassion. A Guide to Disposable Digital Cameras Disposable Cameras (also called single-use cameras) first came on the market as film cameras. You would take the entire camera back where you bought it and they would crack it open, take out the film and process it, resulting in photos that were virtually indistinguishable from photos taken with a more conventional camera. Removing Cracks and Creases when Restoring Old Photos - 5 Minute Digital Fix A common problem with old photos is that they often have un-desirable cracks and creases.These can be removed quite easily using the Clone, Healing and Patch tools found in Adobe Photoshop. Digital Camera Memory Cards A digital camera accessory you should purchase is a spare memory card. Most cameras are sold with a 'starter' memory card that is usually a low capacity card that's enough to take a few sample photos on, but not enough for day-to-day use. How Many Megapixels Do We Need? Are you having megapixel envy each time you walk by the camera section of your favorite electronics store? So do I. But, do we really need more and more pixels? The answer depends on what we intend to do with the images. Photography Contest - a fun and rewarding experience Do you like to take photos? Are you always standing by with your camera waiting for that moment that is meant to be captured on camera? You may even be taking photography classes or maybe you have already completed a photography course and you want to share your photos with others. You may want to get into photography as a career and winning a photography contest will help you get recognized. Removing a Textured Pattern from a Scanned Photo - 5 Minute Digital Fix One of the most common problems when dealing with scanned photographs as part of a digital restoration activity is that after scanning, the digital image appears to have a textured pattern to it.This is often caused by the fact that the photograph in question has been printed on textured photographic paper. ![]() |
home | site map |
© 2006 KeralaClick.com |