anyone from the sarasota-venice florida area

Hi,

Just wondering if there is anyone from my area in this group that would like to get together for photo expeditions occasionally with D200s

Thanks,
Rick Griffin

D200
17-55

I get down there a couple times a year as some of my in-laws live in the area.

Not to change the subject (but I guess I just did), I'm wondering if you've ever visited Myakka River State Park just east of Sarasota on SR-72? I drive by it when I head to the east coast to visit my relatives and I haven't had the time to stop there. If you've been there, is there much to photograph there?

I have stopped on the side of the road just east of the park entrance a few times and taken a few pictures of Great Blue Herons and some other local birds.

Rent a kayak and head out on the water with
the alligators. Very scenic. I used a 80-400 zoom
and that worked great. Lots of shore birds, like
herons and egrets. Lots of alligators.

Don't tip the kayak over.

In Sarasota check out the Marie Selby Botanical Garden; lots
of photo ops including poison dart frogs. Great place.

maljo

Brings back memories, used to go to Florida every year as a kid and the parks (not the ride kind) were the favourite part of the trips for me and Myakka was one of the more memorable ones, I remember the boat ride with gators all around, beautiful spot I've had the urge to visit again lately, little bit further now that I'm on the west coast though.

--
http://www.raincoastphoto.com

Hmmm, a kayak surrounded by gators? I'm not sure I'm that brave.

I think I read somewhere that they offer airboat rides in the park? Or maybe I'm confusing it with somewhere else.

I'll have to make time to stop there and check it out. I'll have to settle for a shorter lens + a TC, don't have anything longer than 200mm.

I took my mom to Marie Selby gardens. It's a very nice place. I didn't have my usual gear with me and between no tripod and no VR didn't come away with much in the way of pictures. Maybe next time...

Hi ,
Thanks for the reply,

Yes, if you have the time there is quiet a lot to photograph. I was just there yesterday. At different times of the year, like now there are mainly birds to shoot. So a a little patience, long lens and tripod will get you all the waiding birds plus the eagles, osprey and lot's of snow birds There are lots of good landscape shots too. Best time is early morning for wildlife.

Some times I take my kayak. Put in at the state park and paddle all the way down to Snook Haven. Thats probably a 10 to 15 mile paddle. it 's pretty wild back in there something like you would imagine in a tarzan movie.
Thanks again and Happy NewYear

Rick

ReedW said:

I get down there a couple times a year as some of my in-laws live
in the area.

Not to change the subject (but I guess I just did), I'm wondering
if you've ever visited Myakka River State Park just east of
Sarasota on SR-72? I drive by it when I head to the east coast to
visit my relatives and I haven't had the time to stop there. If
you've been there, is there much to photograph there?

I have stopped on the side of the road just east of the park
entrance a few times and taken a few pictures of Great Blue Herons
and some other local birds.

Click to expand...