Migrate over to the St . Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Spoonies and Herons and Egrets , oh my !
Photographers visiting the St . Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park are astounded by the vast number of photographic opportunities provided by the hundreds of nesting wading birds . As a member of the Great Florida Birding Trail , this accredited zoo has been selected for its excellent bird watching and bird education opportunities .
In the mid 1970 ’ s the Alligator Farm expanded its Native Swamp exhibit and inadvertently developed an outstanding natural bird rookery . A winding boardwalk allows for the rare opportunity to view wild nesting birds at extremely close distances , at times literally within arm ’ s reach . Since the swamp was expanded , it has grown to become one of the most accessible natural bird rookeries in Florida .
The two-acre exhibit is home not only to American alligators , American crocodiles and native turtles , but many different species of wading birds . Twelve species frequent the swamp , with eight of those nesting and producing young . Great egrets , Roseate spoonbills , and the endangered Wood stork are the first to arrive , followed by Snowy egrets , Tri-colored and Little Blue herons , and lastly , the Cattle egrets . Green herons choose nesting spots deep within the trees in the Land of Crocodiles . The nesting season begins in late February and lasts
28 through July . During the peak season in May , birds can be photographed in all stages of nesting : displaying , incubating , and the raising of their young .
Along with the collection of valuable migratory bird data and the admiration by the staff and visitors of these spectacular wading birds , the Alligator Farm also participates in supporting conservation programs . Among our favorites are the USFW Wood Stork Recovery Program and Audubon of Florida ’ s Roseate Spoonbill Banding Project .
Photo Pass memberships can be purchased online or at the door for $ 89.95 . This zoo membership provides unlimited access for one year , early entry into the park before general guest admission , and the ability to enter our annual photo contest !
See you on the boardwalk !
Good Morning Gators !*
Meeting Location : St . Augustine Alligator Farm , 999 Anastasia Blvd . Difficulty Level : Undemanding
SATURDAY 6 TO 8 AM
Price : $ 40 | Max . No . of People : 40 Enjoy a spectacular morning in the St . Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park ’ s Native Bird Rookery ! You ’ ll see native Herons , Egrets , White Ibis , Roseate Spoonbills and American Wood Storks – with hundreds of alligators swimming beneath the oak branches . Get incredibly intimate views of both Florida ’ s magnificent wading birds on their nests and gorgeous sunrise . * NO PHOTO PASS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT . This is a self-guided , early access event . No instruction provided .
List of event and field trip locations with addresses or GPS coordinates
• Anastasia State Park , 200 Anastasia Park Rd .
• Castillo de San Marcos , 1 S . Castillo Dr .
• Downtown Square ( Gazebo ), 24 Catherdral Pl .
• Frank B . Butler Park , 5860 A1A South
• GTM Research Reserve - Festival Headquarters , Classrooms , Registration , Vendors & Exhibitors Hall , Trailhead Pavilion and Guana Dam , 505 Guana River Rd .. Ponte Vedra Beach
• Magic Beach Motel , 50 Vilano Rd .
• Municipal Marina , 111 Avenida Menendez
• Pioneer Barn , 259 San Marco Ave . ( Opening Reception on Wednesday & Keynote Address on Friday )
• River to Sea Preserve Park , Approximately . 5 miles south of Marineland on A1A . ( GPS coordinates : 29 ° 39 ’ 43.03 ’ N - 81 ° 12 ’ 38.19W )
• Ripple Effect Ecotours , 101 Tolstoy Lane
• St . Augustine Alligator Farm , 999 Anastasia Blvd . (** see note on Alligator Farm photo passes and policies )
• St . Augustine Lighthouse , 81 Lighthouse Ave .
• St . Johns County Pier Park , 350 A1A Beach Blvd .
PLEASE REFER TO THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL MAPS ON PAGES 34 & 35 TO LOCATE THESE ADDRESSES