Well TX is getting hit by ice and I’m stuck in FL for an extra day and I’m in Tampa. Has anyone been to Fort DeSoto? It looks promising I’m thinking of heading for sunup.
Any tips?
Any tips?
Fort DeSoto FL
- Thread starter DavidT
- Start date
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Hi David. I go quite a bit. My favorite spot is the north beach. Go as far as you can in the parking lot to the north end and park. Walk toward the beach and turn right. Don’t go all the way to the beach. There is an inland “pond/waterway“ with exposed flats. You can keep walking north and you will see it eventually curves to the right. It is a good spot for Redish Egrets (including white morphs) and all kinds of sandpipers and plovers. It is also a good place to see Black Skimmers. Lately I also am seeing Red Breasted Mergansers and Baffleheads. Last time I was there I saw about 200 white pelicans but they are hit or miss. I don know about now but I was seeing hundreds of Red Knots. The best time is low tide. Keep your eyes on the trees and wires going in as I also always see Kestrals and Loggerhead shrikes. Ospreys are everywhere. Behind the Rangers house is a fresh water fountain which is supposed to have migrating songbirds but I never have had any luck there. The east beach turnaround is also pretty good. How was Vista View Park?
I forgot to mention that the north beach area is also a dependable area to find Oystercatchers.
I was there several years ago and it was a great location. The place where we found great results was at the very North tip of the park. Turn right when you get to Anderson Blvd and take it all the way to the end. Go to the North end of the big parking lot there to park. Then walk part way down the beach and head to your right (inland) There is a small bay or inlet there on the east side of the North tip of the park. Lots of birds there. Used to be a reddish egret that would visit several times a day like clock work; not sure if it is still there.
You rock! Thank you for the info!!! Vista View was rather slow. Sunday I only saw 3 owls, Monday was better and had 6 but focused on a pair that was pretty active. I got some good shots and a little video I played with. I’m not sure if there is a peak time for there but it sure has potential!
Thank you!
Are there any spoon bills around?
Fort Desoto is not usually a place I see Spoonbills.
If you’re in the area I’ll be shooting there early tomorrow!
The East Beach turnaround is a good spot to take a sunrise photo of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge if you are into that kind of photography.
i’m in Miami. I was planning on stopping there on my way back home to Tampa but won’t get there until late Thursday afternoon.
Be there as early as possible. Its a paradise.
This picture is larger print on my living room wall
The colors are beautiful and exactly how I saw them. No white balance faking. Almost no post processing. Just cropped in the close OOF sand.
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Joel, what year was that? Before or after the bridge disaster and rebuild?
I see it was taken with z camera. So not that long ago.
The end of the north beach is a beautiful place to watch the sunset
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Mitesh
Well-known member
North beach is where the best shots almost always are!
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robertrear
Active member
+1 or several for Fort-Desoto always a great place and like others have said North Beach is best. Sorry about Vista View I was really hoping that you would see a lot more owls.
Last year 2022 March
This thread has officially planned a winter trip for me next year. Just gotta figure out how to get away from the in-laws for a few days.
David, I wish I could have made it to shoot with you. I hope you had a great day!
I’m so happy to read this thread and see the open and welcoming responses.
Last year March when I vacationed a week in Tampa, I asked on another popular forum for help and guidance, I got turned down. Everyone kept the secrets to themselves.
I’m glad I’m active here on BCG. The best advice and everyone is so kind in helping others. Plus we have so much real wisdom from a big number of professionals photographers. I’m proud to be a member here.
Last year March when I vacationed a week in Tampa, I asked on another popular forum for help and guidance, I got turned down. Everyone kept the secrets to themselves.
I’m glad I’m active here on BCG. The best advice and everyone is so kind in helping others. Plus we have so much real wisdom from a big number of professionals photographers. I’m proud to be a member here.
Agree100%
It was ok. Not as much going on as I expected and I hit all the areas you mentioned. I got a few shots but very slow.
I did also go to Honeymoon State Park and was also slow however I saw some dolphins which was cool and back on the nature trail a great horned owl however he wasn’t being very photographic but cool to see.
I 100% agree. It’s the only forum I’ve ever paid to be part of and voluntarily!
Bummer David, Fort Desoto is usually a can’t miss. The beach at the north end of Honeymoon is a beautiful walk and can be very productive.