Jenifer Selwa Photography Posted February 27, 2006 Share Posted February 27, 2006 Hi! I've got the opportunity to stop at St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge on my upcoming Florida trip next week. How's the wildlife there at this time of year? I'm going to primarily see the lighthouse, but I love to shoot wildlife as well. I only have about 1/2 day to play with, as time is really tight this trip. Also, can any of you Florida natives recommend the best route there from Panama City? Am I better to head north and take the Interstate, or am I better to take two lane and go north to 20/267 east through Bristol? I'm planning on taking 98 coastal driving back from St. Marks to Pamana City on the return to hit the few lighthouses along there. Thanks for any suggestions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_rester Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 Jenifer, I was there last Wednesday for about an hour. I would not recommend going up to I-10 and then down. It would be quicker to stay on the smaller roads. There were plenty of wading birds around, but even at 3 p.m. it was still foggy so I didn't shoot them. I did photograph the lighthouse, my main target also. If the weather is clear, I would recommend getting there in the morning for the lighthouse shots since the parking lot is on the west side of the lighthouse. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurie_m Posted March 1, 2006 Share Posted March 1, 2006 Jenifer, I was there in early January, There are a few lighthouse photos (shot near sunset) in my New Images folder among several others I shot there. If you can, check the tide charts. At low tide, it's much easier to shoot the lighthouse from the Gulf side. Also, early morning is great for shooting the sunrise over the pond next to the lighthouse. I also had some luck shooting the pine trees in the fog. Near the lighthouse is the remnants of an old pier. I enjoyed shooting that as well. You'll find lots to shoot early morning or late day. You'll likely see Alligators and Deer too. The migratory ducks had yet to arrive in mass when I was there but I saw numerous wading birds, Moorehens, Grebes, Mottled Ducks, Florida Ducks, and Red Heads. There was also a pair of Bald Eagles hanging out around one of the ponds before you get to the lighthouse on the left. If you find them, late day shooting would be best. They were backlit in the morning.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenifer Selwa Photography Posted March 1, 2006 Author Share Posted March 1, 2006 Jeff and Laurie, thanks so much for your insight for this location. In regards to the wading birds - what lens were you using (mm) to get decent shots? Were they along the road, or in the marshes near the lighthouse? I'm planning on leaving around 6am so I'm there by 9am or so from Panama City. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurie_m Posted March 1, 2006 Share Posted March 1, 2006 Jenifer, The road to the lighthouse runs right along the edge of the ponds. Many of the birds (and alligators) seemed to like hanging out right along the edge. So, you can likely get some great bird images with a moderate telephoto. However, the longer the lens, the more options you'll have. I didn't really do any bird shooting while I was there since I have the opportunity to shoot them closer to home on a regular basis. If at all possible, I'd recommend getting there as close to sunrise as possible. I know it would mean getting up VERY early but should be well worth the sleep deprivation. By 9:00 you may already be past the peak conditions for shooting the lighthouse. You may also want to check the weather reports. One morning, the fog was very thick until late morning. If heavy fog is predicted (apparently a common occurence there), you may be able to sleep in a little longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenifer Selwa Photography Posted March 1, 2006 Author Share Posted March 1, 2006 Laurie, thanks again for the helpful information. Sounds like my kind of place! I'll be sure to check the weather before I leave. Fog and lighthouses...my kind of stuff! :) I'm going to have my six month old son with me in a baby backpack (haha, this is going to be fun!) so I'm not sure if I can get going much earlier than 6am (CST). Looks like I might luck out with low tide too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurie_m Posted March 1, 2006 Share Posted March 1, 2006 Make sure you let me know when you post some photos from your visit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenifer Selwa Photography Posted March 15, 2006 Author Share Posted March 15, 2006 Just got back from the Florida trip. Didn't make sunrise at St. Marks due to fog and weather, but arrived around midday and got some fantastic bird and gator shots, as well as the lighthouse. I will be sure to get some posted to my portfolio in the next few days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now