Florida State Parks for Wildlife

[WVDisGeek]

DW and I are going to be spending a week at my in-law's condo in Ormand-By-The-Sea (Daytona Beach) the first week in May. Any suggestions for good locations within an hour or so to get some good wildlife shots?

I have looked on the State website at Tamoka and Blue Spring. Any other advice? :confused3

Thanks!

[Sorsha]

When we lived in FL for a short time, we lived in Palm Bay, just south of Melbourne. Might be more than an hour from where you are though.

Anyway, there was this wonderful place we always spent time at called Turkey Creek Sanctuary (http://www.palmbayflorida.org/parks/nature/). Here (http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/2210/tcs.html) is its "official" webpage (which has not been updated in a LONG time) and here (http://www.mrcirl.org/mapirl/turkey.html) is a little more info.

Wonderful walking trails, and canoeing as well. I believe you can rent a canoe somewhere in the area if you wanted to go that route. We always saw all kinds of birds, lots of armadillos, small rodents, manatees, and TONS of turtles.

Have fun, and post pictures when you get back!

[jann1033]

we enjoyed Merritt Island, they have a nice driving tour and paths to hike as well. we spent most of a day there and didn't see everything. it's close to Kennedy space center, not sure how much more or less than an hr it would be from where you are staying. they have a manatee observation area there but not sure if the manatees would be there in may http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/
if i go again i'd probably rent a longer lens, 200mm wasn't enough

[boBQuincy]

Blue Spring is really nice although in the Summer you might see more swimmers than wildlife. Taking the boat to the island across the river might be worthwhile if wildlife is your goal.

Faver-Dykes park is not far and probably much less well known/less busy.

[WVDisGeek]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone! :thumbsup2

I am pretty sure Melbourne is more than an hour or so away, but will check tonight.

We haven't been to Kennedy in a few years so Merritt Island might be a possibility and I had forgot about Faver Dykes. It is only a couple of exits up 95 from where we turn off to go to the condo. May have to combine that one with a trip up to the outlets in St. Augustine for a visit to the Disney Character Outlet since we aren't hitting "the World" this trip!

Also, I know the 250mm I have is not going to get me very close, but the rental places I have come across all seem to rent just Nikon or Cannon. I shoot Pentax. Anyone know of a rental option for those of use who are too stubborn to change??? :rotfl2:

[luvsmickeymouse]

We love Highland Hammocks and Deleon Springs. Deleon Springs state park has a place to eat and on every table is a griddle, and you can cook your own breakfast!
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q163/luvspilots/Picture067.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q163/luvspilots/Picture065.jpg