Avian Photography winter break

Winter can get very long up here in Alberta. I was thinking about planning a winter get away to do some avian photography, maybe a week or so Jan, or Feb., but flexible. I'm thinking southern USA, somewhere. Any suggestions???

Florida?

Gary,
Another choice might be Costa Rica.. It's not that much further than Florida... It's only another 4 hours and one more plane ride...
A lot of the birds that migrate from North America, winter there.. Costa RIca also has over 28 species of humming birds, not to mention the gazillion species of flora and fauna these birds feed on... (bring a Macro lens, too!!)
Of the 40 some countries I've visited, Costa Rica is my favorite for the diversity of photographic opportunities. Avian, Macro, Sunsets, landscape, Invironmental (yes, it could be cleaner in spots...), Volcanos, Cloud forests, Rainforests, etc...... Generally, the people are great, too, and it's safe.
Wherever you end up, have a great time!

Dave

My wife and I are taking a workshop with Fabs and Alfred Forns in the Everglades in Late February. It would be great to have you join us.

Check out http://www.avianscapes.com/

Florida is pretty amazing. South Florida is good, but the central Atlantic coast around Cape Canaveral is simply amazing. My wife and I have. Add the the trip from Alaska twice.

Gary, Nate Chappell has some winter workshops. He would be a good resource.

Or, check with another Birder--Richard Ditch.

Wherever you go, have fun.

Carol

If you decide to come to southeast Florida, I'll be happy to show you around.

On my site, 99% of the shots in the Wetlands and Flight galleries were taken from within 20 minutes of my home.

P.S. We were in Alberta in July for a wonderful photo trip. Those shots are in my Canadian Rockies gallery.

The winter migrants are just now beginning to arrive at J.N. Ding Darling NWR and other places around SW Florida. Saw my first flock of white pelicans there yesterday, and a pair of blue winged teals. Winter is our best time for birds. If you are into passerines, they pass through here in fall and spring. Herons and other waterbirds nest at the Venice rookery in the winter. The shore birds at Estero Lagoon are joined by winter visitors such as avocets. The painted buntings come to Corkscrew and the wood storks raise their young there in the spring.

And folks from the cold country find the weather balmy. They wear shorts and tee shirts when I wear a jacket.

Hi Gary, Southern Arizona is also excellent, I wrote a newsletter about some of the places I like on my website, www.trogontours.net/september2008.html . Feel free to email me with questions if you like.