I'm going to be flying into Orlando on April 24 to attend a conference there. I should have time to get out for sunrises and sunsets all week long (returning on the 29th). I've been to Orlando once before and went out to Merritt Island, but I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for this trip about where to go for interesting scenic/landscape shots and/or birds/wildlife. I'm not interested in the main attractions in Orlando, so I want to get out. I'm willing to drive out a couple hours or so from the area to find stuff.
Check the Great Florida Birding Trail http://floridabirdingtrail.com/sites_east.htm. Orlando Wetlands Park and the Tossahassee Wildlife Preserve are excellent. Meade Garden is a bit of urban paradise. For scenic shots you can go to Fort Christmas in Christmas, FL or try Leu Gardens in Winder Park. There are a couple of short canoe runs on the Wekiva River that take you through "old Florida" that are worth the trip. Try Katie;s Landing, Wekiva River St. Park, and Wekiva Marina. My last memory there was a large overhanging branch well under the canope with a mature barred owl watching us pass below in the canoe. If you are staying in the attractions area, Tibet Butler Preserve is one of the more productive areas http://www.theotherorlando.com/contents/chapters/16/tibet.html. This link has a lot of options for the Orlando area - http://myfwc.com/viewing/regions/cenreg.html.
Welcome to my back yard! I hope you enjoy your stay!
Great info! Thanks. I will continue to research the options. I'm looking forward to it! I'd welcome any other tips, locations and resources. I will be staying near Disney World because that is where my conference is, but I've got a rental car with GPS and I should have time to get out and about to some places.
Check out this link. It might be useful during your trip.
http://myfwc.com/viewing/cities/orlando.html
Bob
Posted by Kelly Rowe on April 14, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Ryan,
Here's another site for you. You will be right next to Lake County if you're staying on Disney property. http://www.lakegovernment.com/bird_watching/birding_spots.aspx
I received the following message in my BAA bulletin from Artie Morris:
Jim Neiger's Central Florida Site Guide ($50.00) is available only through BIRDS AS ART. The PDF will be sent via e-mail. The easiest way to order yours today is to send us a Paypal from any Paypal link on the web site (www.birdsasart.com), or, you can send us an e-mail from your Paypal account. Alternatively, you can send a check for $50.00 made out to "Arthur Morris" to us at PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855, or call us at 863-692-0906 (8am till 9pm eastern time) with your credit card (Master or Visa only) info. If you send a check, be sure to include both your phone number and your e-mail address.
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Welcome to my back yard! I hope you enjoy your stay!
Check out this link. It might be useful during your trip.
http://myfwc.com/viewing/cities/orlando.html
Bob
Here's another site for you. You will be right next to Lake County if you're staying on Disney property. http://www.lakegovernment.com/bird_watching/birding_spots.aspx
Jim Neiger's Central Florida Site Guide ($50.00) is available only through BIRDS AS ART. The PDF will be sent via e-mail. The easiest way to order yours today is to send us a Paypal from any Paypal link on the web site (www.birdsasart.com), or, you can send us an e-mail from your Paypal account. Alternatively, you can send a check for $50.00 made out to "Arthur Morris" to us at PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855, or call us at 863-692-0906 (8am till 9pm eastern time) with your credit card (Master or Visa only) info. If you send a check, be sure to include both your phone number and your e-mail address.