[rustbucket]

I'm planning to go visit the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine this spring to take pictures of the bird rookery there. It is a place that SWAMPSNIPER told me about. I went last year -- marvelous place for taking closeup pictures of wild herons, egrets, storks, and roseates. I could have almost hit some of the birds with my long lens.

After spending half a day there I'm thinking of heading to South Florida. I've never been to Flamingo. Is that a place you recommend? Are there other places in South Florida you recommend?

[N. Theknow]

I haven't been to the St. Augustine place. Keep me posted on that if you will.

Gatorland just south of Orlando is a good place to stop for the obvious reptiles but birds also abound there.

Flamingo is a beautiful drive through the Everglades. Bring plenty of insect repellant as the mosquitoes can be vicious. US Army does field testing of bug sprays there. It is also the only place on earth where crocodiles and alligators live together. Or so I am told. Be sure to check out the Eco-Pond if you go there.

Shark River Valley is a great place. They rent bikes and also have a tram that gives guided tours over the 15 mile paved pathway through the Everglades. Biking is best as you set your own pace for taking pics of reptiles and birds. Great Blue Herons about every 50 yards or so when we were there last. Anhinga, Lesser Blue Heron, Egrets, and gators abound.

Watch out on the East leg of the trip as there was a mother gator that was using one of her offspring as a lure. Got off my bike to take a shot of the little nipper and just spied Mama lying low in the sawgrass.

Gulf Coast, Pass-A-Grille area of St. Pete Beach is great for pelicans, gulls and plovers. Rent a jet ski and you can zip along with a dolphin escort.

And you can't beat the Gulf Coast for sundowns. Check out The Hurricane restaurant with a rooftop bar for viewing sunsets like this:

Have a good trip!