Photo ops near Wakulla FL July 1 weekend

[JohnElderRobison]

We will be travelling from our home in Massachusetts to near Wakulla

park in Florida this Saturday. Any suggestions on nearby places to

go to photograph the wildlife?

 

The last time we were there the only way to see the wildlife on the

Wakulla river appeared to be via the park's boat ride, which does not

stop or pause. Any other suggestions?

 

Is it safe to walk on the trails in Wakulla at this time of year?

(snakes, etc?)

[larry h.]

It's not nature, but the hotel at Wakulla Springs is one of the most photogenic buildings I've photographed. But without a doubt, you must go to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge if you haven't been there. Good alligators and birds near the lighthouse and the road to the lighthouse. The lighthouse ain't too shabby either (get behind it, although the bugs may kill you this time of year).

[pathways]

Lots of Bald Eagles in that area, the St. Marks refuge offers a dike system that offers good views of marsh areas with stunning (for Florida, that is) vistas. Look for bobcats, lots of gators, oodles of bald eagles, lots of other birds. The beach is fair, St. Vincent Island is much more photogenic, St. George Island has white beaches and a so-so state park. A little farther east is Torrea St. Park, the land of Florida "mountains" with beautiful views of the river. Snakes are always a danger, both rattlers and the more dangerous moccosinx. For insects I usually use a spray of juniper oil and isoprophyl (apply every couple of hours, but it beats Deet) The Wakulla river itself is very photogenic. Get some shots of the river and sable palms, with fairly large boats on it. If you like smoked mullet you'll probably never come back. The big house at the state park offers great pictures. John.