I will be in Tampa for the next week and wonder if anyone has suggestions on where I could bird? I only have at most a half day so it would have to be close to Tampa. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rick
Posted by Mia McPherson on January 9, 2011 at 5:02 PM
Richard
You can easily head to Fort De Soto and spent a morning or afternoon shooting there, it usually took me about 40 minutes to get there from near downtown Tampa.
There is Ballast Point in south Tampa, nothing like Fort D though. On the Pinellas side of the Gandy Bridge there are beaches along the causeway, some times birding is good there during the week, weekends aren't good at all though because so many people use the beach. Weedon Island is ok for birds, again it is nothing like Fort D.
North of Tampa in Dunedin is the causeway going out to Honeymoon Island State Park, birds there seem to be used to people. I preferred Honeymoon Island, there is a 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 mile Osprey Trail and the beach is close by where you can walk for miles and see plenty of shore, wading & sea birds. Dolphins too.
Posted by Bill Leggett on January 10, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Richard-
I totally agree with Mia about Fort Desoto. I've been there the last two years in late February and early March, and although it's 600 miles from my home, I can always be assured that I'll come back with lots of great images, even if Ft D is my only destination. Suggest that you check out the NOAA tidal charts for Mullet Key for the days that you'll be there, as low tide is usually the better time, especialy for the waders, and you'll have more walkable territory to cover, although you might expect to do a bit of wading. There is a good population of Reddish Egret (including the white morph), Snowies, White Ibis, Great Egret and Tricolored Heron. And there are lots of shore bird opportunities as well. For the waders, I've had my best experience at North Beach. Just go to the park and hang a right and go all the way to the end. At low tide you can wander around on the sandbars at the uppermost tip of the island. Have fun!
I spent a few hours at Lettuce Lake Park and was amazed at the birds I was able to get close to. White Ibis, Lampkin, Snowy and Great Egrets, Blue and Little Blue Herons, Moorhens, Grebes, Woodpeckers, warblers and a close up view of a red shouldered hawk. If anyone has a chance you definitely should walk the boardwalk at this park. I was the only one there from 8 am until 10 pm. What a great experience. Unfortunately it was cloudy so my photo ops were limited. Thanks to all for the suggestions.
Posted by Greg Lessard on January 10, 2011 at 8:31 PM
Fort DeSoto all the way!! Go to the lagoon and walk the beach. There is also a water fountain specifically for birds. Check the ranger station for directions.
Fort DeSoto is absolutely surreal early in the morning. It is my favorite birding spot that I have been to.
Discussion
4 repliesThanks
Rick
You can easily head to Fort De Soto and spent a morning or afternoon shooting there, it usually took me about 40 minutes to get there from near downtown Tampa.
There is Ballast Point in south Tampa, nothing like Fort D though. On the Pinellas side of the Gandy Bridge there are beaches along the causeway, some times birding is good there during the week, weekends aren't good at all though because so many people use the beach. Weedon Island is ok for birds, again it is nothing like Fort D.
North of Tampa in Dunedin is the causeway going out to Honeymoon Island State Park, birds there seem to be used to people. I preferred Honeymoon Island, there is a 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 mile Osprey Trail and the beach is close by where you can walk for miles and see plenty of shore, wading & sea birds. Dolphins too.
I totally agree with Mia about Fort Desoto. I've been there the last two years in late February and early March, and although it's 600 miles from my home, I can always be assured that I'll come back with lots of great images, even if Ft D is my only destination. Suggest that you check out the NOAA tidal charts for Mullet Key for the days that you'll be there, as low tide is usually the better time, especialy for the waders, and you'll have more walkable territory to cover, although you might expect to do a bit of wading. There is a good population of Reddish Egret (including the white morph), Snowies, White Ibis, Great Egret and Tricolored Heron. And there are lots of shore bird opportunities as well. For the waders, I've had my best experience at North Beach. Just go to the park and hang a right and go all the way to the end. At low tide you can wander around on the sandbars at the uppermost tip of the island. Have fun!
Fort DeSoto is absolutely surreal early in the morning. It is my favorite birding spot that I have been to.