Nature and Wildlife near Naples, Florida

[jeff_jarrett]

I am going to be heading to Marco Island, Florida in January and was

wondering if anyone has any good spots for nature and wildlife

photography in Marco Island or anywhere near Naples? Traveling isn't a

big deal, as long as it isn't to far (within maybe 2 hours.) I am

visiting relatives but would love to get a lot of shooting done while

I am down there. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[mike_kravit]

Jeff,

 

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As you know the west coast of Florida is rich in nature and

photgraphic opporunities. Pick up a copy of "Floida, A Guide to

Nature and Photography" by John Nrtherton. Great book and an

excellent resource. There are several areas of interest close to

Naples.

 

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Big Cypress Preserve (I-75) east of Naples)

 

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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Located near Immokolee SW of Sanibel

Island and NE of Naples)

 

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Ding Darling Nature Preserve (On Sanibel Island, 20 minutes north of

Naples on I-75)

 

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Everglades National Park (SE of Naples)

 

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That should help you out. But if you can, get the book I listed

above. It is roughly 90 pages and beautifully done.

 

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Mike

[michael_j._kravit]

(Corrected Spelling Errors)

 

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Jeff,

As you know the west coast of Florida is rich in nature and

photgraphic opporunities. Pick up a copy of "Florida, A Guide to

Nature and Photography" by John Netherton. Great book and an

excellent resource. There are several areas of interest close to

Naples.

 

<p>

 

Big Cypress Preserve (I-75) east of Naples)

 

<p>

 

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Located near Immokolee SE of Sanibel

Island and NE of Naples)

 

<p>

 

Ding Darling Nature Preserve (On Sanibel Island, 20 minutes north of

Naples on I-75)

 

<p>

 

Everglades National Park (SE of Naples)

 

<p>

 

That should help you out. But if you can, get the book I listed

above. It is roughly 90 pages and beautifully done.

 

<p>

 

Mike

[sandy_quandt]

You might also get some ideas from an article in the Nature Forum

entitled "Where and When to Photograph Birds in Florida" as well as

Grover Larkins's article on the Florida Everglades (if you don't mind

driving a bit...)Enjoy your trip!!

Sandy

[larry_korhank]

On the web try the game and fish commision wildlife viewing guide.

http://fcn.state.fl.us/gfc/gfchome.html. Another good book is "Florida

Wildlife Viewing Guide" by Susan Cerulean and Ann Morrow. I don't know

the area myself as I try to adviod south Florida.

[rob_pailes]

Jeff, try the Fakahatchee strand of the everglades. As far as the

Everglades goes it is close to Naples. Also, head up to Fort Myers

Beach and hit the beach behind the Holiday Inn; this is one of the

pro's favorite hotspots. On the way you could stop at Lover's Key

and check out the beach there for shorebirds. I frequently see

Oystercatchers there. Also, if you don't mind the two hour drive,

Venice, FL (north on I75)has a small rookery that offers incredible

shots of herons, great egrets, and cormorants. I am not positive

about the timing, but in January you might catch the beginning of

nesting and other breeding behavior.

 

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Good Luck!