Get close-up to Burrowing Owls; find other species of Owls and Raptors; photograph various wading birds fishing,gathering nesting materials and performing mating rituals; capture birds in flight; visit a few of the top-rated birdwatching sites in North America.
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We will begin our week in the Fort Myers area, visiting several local beaches and Ding Darling NWR.
Named one of the top ten birding spots in this nation, the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on Sanibel Island. This is one of the most visited refuges in the United States, with almost a million visitors annually. Low tides from mid October through April often result in thousands of wading, swimming, and diving birds feeding on the mudflats. These include Reddish Egrets, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Great and Little Blue Herons, White and Brown Pelicans, Tri-Color Herons, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, Short and Long-Billed Dowitchers, Yellow Legs, Anhingas, Cormorants, Blue-Winged Teal, Pied-Billed Grebes, Osprey and Bald Eagles.
Then we'll focus our attention on Cape Coral on the Gulf Coast which is home to Florida's largest population of Burrowing Owls. Experts estimate that there are more than 1000 nesting pairs in the city. The owls have been designated a "species of special concern" by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. With the appropriate protection and management, the owls will avoid becoming a "threatened species".
I have more than 150 burrow locations mapped out so there's no wasted time looking for these little guys. We'll travel from one to another, capturing different Owls and achieving many different pleasing backgrounds.
If I can tear you away from the Owls, we may see Osprey and Bald Eagles and you will have the chance to watch hundreds of Monk Parakeets tending to their ususual nests. Florida has the largest population of Monk Parakeets in the United States.
Then it's off to Venice and Sarasota to visit one of my favorite locations...the Venice Rookery. This Rookery draws people from all over the world due to its close access and the sheer number of birds. While in the area we may have time to visit local beaches, Myakka State Park or see Sandhill Cranes landing in a pond to roost overnight.
Next we travel to Central Florida to photograph Alligators in 10 acre Breeding Marsh and a Rookery which is home to many different species of wild Florida birds. This Rookery is one of the largest and most accessible wading bird rookeries in Florida with literally thousands of native birds making their home in this natural habitat.
A dozen different species of birds nest here, and over 20 different species of birds utilize the area for roosting or feeding. Of these, 8 species are listed either as a Species of Special Concern or Endangered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
We will visit a Reserve in Lakeland and then head back to the Fort Myers area to enjoy our last night. Fly back home late afternoon or early evening to make the most of your last morning with the Burrowing Owls.
DATES.........March 16-22
PRICE..........$1890 USD/person
INCLUDED:
- 6 Nights accommodations with wireless internet & pool
- Fort Myers Airport Pick-up & Drop-off
- All local transportation in a large van.
- Breakfast
- Bottled Water
- Entrance fees and all tolls.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights and related fees
- Lunch/Dinner
- Travel Insurance
BOOKING INFO:
- Prices are based on double occupancy. If you would prefer your own room, a single supplement fee of $500 USD. is applicable.
- A deposit of $500 USD is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due by February 15th, 2011.
- Payments can be made by paypal, personal cheque or EMT from most Canadian Banks.
Contact me at mlorenzphotography@rogers.com
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