Photographers flock to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park every spring to capture wild birds during breeding season. For here lies the perfect habitat for a world class bird rookery.
The Farm grounds, covered in alligators, provide sanctuary to birds from predators like raccoons and snakes that tend to raid their nests. Of course, the alligator filled grounds are still a dangerous place for birds.
As a visitor, however, you don’t have to worry about all those alligators. A raised boardwalk takes you above the growling gators and up close to a ton of raucous birds.
For photographers, it is an unique opportunity to be able to photograph many different types of wading birds up close in a small area. Additionally, the birds at the Alligator Farm are so busy with nesting activities, that one is able to get much closer to birds than at most places in nature.
This “Photographing Birds at St. Augustine’s Alligator Farm” post is an overview of the Alligator Farm’s bird photography opportunities, when to visit, and what gear to bring. Also included, is a list of things you should know before you go so that you may create the best possible bird photos.
Note: This post, is not a how to photograph birds guide. I will leave those types of guides to better bird photographers than myself.
For those of you who wish to go straight to the photography information, please use this table of contents, click on the arrow and then click on the photography section.
So let’s get to it by first looking at a few important facts.
Where is St. Augustine Alligator Farm?
Address: 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, Fl. 32080
Directions:
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Brief History
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm which opened in 1893 is one of Florida’s first main attractions way before Disney World was even a thought! In fact, I went there as a child in the early 1960s when there was little more to see than alligators and turtles and still remember my amazement at the size of the turtles.
During its history, the farm’s location and name changed as well as the attractions and its buildings until it became the world class zoological park it is today. ( I still refer to it as the Alligator Farm). To learn about its complete history please check out: History of the Alligator Farm.
Alligator Farm Photography
What Birds Nest at the Alligator Farm
Note: The Alligator Farm made substantial changes recently to provide more nesting habitat for some of the smaller birds which will hopefully increase the numbers of cattle egrets and night herons and other small birds.
Best Times to Visit
Without of doubt late winter to late June are the best times to photograph birds at the Alligator Farm. In fact, here is a schedule of the bird activity to help you plan your visit: Bird Rookery Schedule.
For the best light on the birds and smaller crowds, plan your visits for early mornings and also about an hour before closing time.
If you are planning to be in the area for more than 3 days, purchasing a photographers pass will allow you to enter the park a hour before it opens to the public and also stay to close to sunset. The pass also includes 5 free entries into their annual photo contest.
Due to the cost, I don’t recommend this pass for those of you who are only planning one or two visits to the park unless you wish to enter the photo contest.
Tip: Later is the season and also later in the day, the park can become very crowded, hot and stinky on the boardwalk.
What Photo Gear to Bring
Lens: My recommended photo gear when visiting the St. Augustine Alligator Farm consists of a 100-400mm lens and also a fixed lens in the range of 500mm or 600mm if you own one.
Although you will be able to capture a large number of bird photos without a longer lens, you will have some limitations capturing birds on the nest or at a distance without a 500mm to 600mm lens. If you are serious about bird photography, consider renting a long lens for your visit.
If you only own a lens that is no longer than 200mm, you will have limitations photographing some of the birds.
Cameras– If you own both a zoom and longer lens mentioned above, bring two camera bodies to be sure to catch the action. You don’t want to stop and change lens.
Tripods- For most shots of birds, a tripod is nice to have but not necessary. Also, the boardwalk receives a ton of traffic and is constantly shaking which does not work well with a tripod.
However, when photographing birds and chicks in a nest using a long lens with flash, a tripod becomes essential.
Other lens can be left at home.
What Can You Expect to Photograph
Bird Courtship Displays
Nest Building
Chicks
Birds in colorful breeding plumage
Challenges
If you visit the Alligator Farm before late March, you will likely find the trees and shrubs to be brownish or just beginning to green up for summer. This can create a less than desirable background.
Brown Foliage
Distracting Branches
It can be difficult to isolate and photograph a single bird or birds at times even when using flash in hopes of eliminating distracting elements that are too close. Notice the branches on the sides and background.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park-What You Need to Know
Hours and Days
Fees
Parking
What You Can Bring
Cameras, cell phones, water -no plastic lids or straws, no food.
Prohibited Items
Photographers Deck
A recent addition to the Alligator Farm is a special observation deck for individuals who have the annual photographers pass. There are mixed reviews on the photo opportunities from the deck.
Other St. Augustine Alligator Farm Questions
Please contact: 904-824-3337
Alligator Farm Special Events
Annual Photo Contest
Each year, the Alligator Farm holds an annual photo contest for images of birds and other animals taken in the park during the year.
The contest is only open to holders of either the annual photo pass or the two day photo pass. Holders of the annual photo pass are allowed 5 entries into the contest while holders of the two day photo pass are allowed 3 entries.
For complete details please see: Photo Contest.
Florida Birding and Photo Festival
Florida Birding and Photo Festival -Each year the city of St. Augustine hosts this annual festival during the later part of April. While the festival is going on, you can expect extremely large crowds at the Alligator Farm.
If you are not participating in the festival, I encourage everyone to avoid visiting the Alligator Farm during the event.
Other Great Florida Birding Locations
For those of you who love photographing birds, you may also want to read my other Florida birding posts.
Final Thoughts On Photographing Birds at the Alligator Farm
The Alligator Farm is an incredible place to visit beyond just the bird rookery. However, in spring, the number of birds and the photo opportunities for bird photographers is hard to describe.
Allow plenty of time for this amazing rookery and you won’t be disappointed. Also pack your patience as the boardwalk at the rookery gets very crowded.
I live, when not traveling, only 25 minutes away and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about visiting the rookery.
Please check out my Portfolio for addition bird images at: Birds. To view my entire collection of images, available as fine art prints, gift items, and home decor products, please see: Bird Collection.
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