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Photography in the Everglades....by Jim Griggs |
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In Miami on business and have a few hours to spare? How about a quick trip to one of my favorite places nearby, the Everglades? On two occasions during business meetings in Miami I broke away for an afternoon, evening and morning to explore some of the photographic possibilities of the area. Where to start? Travel south out of Miami on I-95 to the Homestead exit and turn west toward the little town of Flamingo. Just after entering the National Park and just a short distance past the visitors center is a left turn to the Anhinga Trail. This has to be the best bargain for bird watchers and photographers in North America. Not only are the birds plentiful but they are almost tame. From the parking lot it is a short walk to the paved trail that follows the edge of the pond area. There is a short loop boardwalk thru the palmettos and other vegetation allowing even more close up opportunities at this fantastic location. After burning up several million pixels, move on to the end of the road at the "town" of Flamingo. Just past the motel on the right side of the road is "Eco Pond" and natural bird sanctuary. An observation platform is near the road and affords great views into the trees adjacent to the pond where nesting Ibis can be seen. The platform is great for photography except when you are sharing it with other visitors. The vibration from walking is a little too much for sharp images. A short trail encircles the pond giving good access to photographers, allowing choices in lighting direction whether it is early morning or late afternoon. While walking around the pond pay close attention to the cattails where Indigo Bunting are usually seen and watch for wading birds right up next to the split rail fence. Without a doubt, these two locations are the premier spots for bird (and alligator) photos. |
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I have spent two nights here, both at the motel in Flamingo. It doesn’t get any stars in any guide books I have read. In fact just getting reservations took me several attempts. But it does allow you to stay in the park, only minutes away from Eco Pond where I took some of my best early morning photos. There is a restaurant and small store in Flamingo with adequate meals and food available. Warning: Flamingo facilities are only open during the "season" starting in September and ending in early May. During the summer the temperatures and humidity make the Everglades almost unbearable and if the heat doesn’t get you the bugs will. Both my trips were in mid to early April. The summer is considered the rainy season in the Everglades. When it rains the ponds fill up giving the fish (food for the birds) more places to hide. In the dry season the water holes and ponds dry up concentrating the game fish into less and less area. This is what attracts the birds!!! From late October to the middle of April are the best times for photography and I have been told that I hit the peak being there late in the season this year. It must have been a good time to be there! I saw lots of big glass and hefty tripods in use. The birds didn’t seem to mind that I could carry all my equipment in a hip pack and didn’t require an assistant! If you can extend your stay a few more hours there are boat trips leaving from the Flamingo docks that go both deeper into the Everglades and also into the shallow estuaries out in the salt water. These are reasonably priced but the photography might be limited as you will probably be sharing the boat with others who probably will not be as serious a photographer as yourself. Be sure to lock your valuables in your trunk out of sight. I always put things in my trunk BEFORE I get to a parking lot. That way I don’t have to move things back there in sight of suspicious eyes at my destination. There are other cautions: sun screen, insect repellent, drink plenty of water and the other things you Mom warned you about. Whatever you do, enjoy the Everglades!!!!
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