Maljo
Well-known member
Anyone know what that is? Access to the special deck comes with an annual Photographer membership.
Alligator Farm Special Photographer Deck?
- Thread starter Maljo
- Start date
If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
Is this the one in Saint Augustine FL? If so I went last year and it was fun for specific shots (you are very close) I believe I saw the special deck which is up even higher. Unless you live in the area and would visit often I wouldn't bother.
Is that new? Last I was there you could get a pass, but it was just the boardwalk.
I am not sure. I know I read they have a package you could buy and the deck is above the building structure. I guess for maybe some of the high in the tree birds it would get you eye level but for me the shots there are so specific more portrait I would focus on the babies in the nest with mother if I was going to go back. I was there about 3 weeks to early, some babies but a lot still on eggs. I had the 200-600 and 600GM with me and shot the 600 most of the time but next trip I would take it and the 400GM since I would want to focus on the little ones.
Maljo
Well-known member
Yes, thanks. I was there Mach 2022 and did not see that deck.
There is/was a gated photographer's area on the east side of the rookery. It had, I believe three levels of seating/standing sections. The times I was there, I never saw anyone venture into there with a camera. Although, I can see that it could be good for some conditions, such as just after sunrise, and in the evening for silhouette shots. I plan to explore it a bit the next time I'm there. Which should be either late in March or sometime in April.
It is almost more like a look out area not like the long deck that goes around the entire park. I was there in March last year as well.
It is almost more like a look out area not like the long deck that goes around the entire park. I was there in March last year as well.
What day in March were you there? I'm trying to gauge when to go next based upon others' histories, as well as my own. I went twice in 2020 or 2021; the first visit was too early and the second visit was too late to really suit me. I'll also monitor the rookery webcam online to help me out.
The "photographer's deck" I saw wasn't that high, maybe three or four feet above the decking of the boardwalk, if I remember correctly. It really didn't provide an advantage for the birds high in the trees, but could change the perspective enough for the birds nesting on the interior of the rookery boardwalk. The issue I had with it was the lighting direction.
The events of dusk, when hundreds, if not thousands, of birds fly back to the park to roost overnight is a phenomenal one, not to be missed if you are staying late. Even if it gets too dark for your camera autofocus to work, it is worth staying for.
Last edited:
I don't remember. I think I would go about 3-4 weeks later next time so it would be in April. Some babies but most sitting on eggs.
BobbyV
Well-known member
Maybe I can be of some help. I worked there as a 19 year old and now these days I work for the City about a mile away in downtown St. Augustine so I can stop in there often. The photographer's deck...photo pass holders only, but never enforced...is actually lower than the main boardwalk. It is eye level with a tree that supports several nests each Spring. As of about an hour ago Great Egrets are nesting there and usually a few Spoonbills will build there too. Spoonbills are also nesting at the 'Farm now. There are three levels at the deck that you can stand on, and at certain times it is a good vantage point, with a nice, distant background at certain angles. Otherwise, it's a nice thing to check out, but the best flight shots are from the main boardwalk, as are the chicks that hatch from April through June. The main Oak Tree at the center of the rookery is not doing well as it is very old and the birds don't exactly extend its life by their nesting activities. Several Cypress trees are now planted around it and some of it has been removed. Things have changed, for better or worse is a matter of opinion, but I'm looking forward to another fun Spring out there. Please feel free to message me with any questions. (Most traveling photographers really want to know where the good restaurants are though.)
Wow this is awesome! Welcome to the forum and thank you for commenting. I am curious what time tends to be the most active for baby activity? I went in March and felt like I was a few weeks early as most were still sitting on the eggs.Maybe I can be of some help. I worked there as a 19 year old and now these days I work for the City about a mile away in downtown St. Augustine so I can stop in there often. The photographer's deck...photo pass holders only, but never enforced...is actually lower than the main boardwalk. It is eye level with a tree that supports several nests each Spring. As of about an hour ago Great Egrets are nesting there and usually a few Spoonbills will build there too. Spoonbills are also nesting at the 'Farm now. There are three levels at the deck that you can stand on, and at certain times it is a good vantage point, with a nice, distant background at certain angles. Otherwise, it's a nice thing to check out, but the best flight shots are from the main boardwalk, as are the chicks that hatch from April through June. The main Oak Tree at the center of the rookery is not doing well as it is very old and the birds don't exactly extend its life by their nesting activities. Several Cypress trees are now planted around it and some of it has been removed. Things have changed, for better or worse is a matter of opinion, but I'm looking forward to another fun Spring out there. Please feel free to message me with any questions. (Most traveling photographers really want to know where the good restaurants are though.)
Well, there we have it, from as great a source as can be had without going inside the park. And in some ways, likely even better. Thank you, BobbyV.Maybe I can be of some help. I worked there as a 19 year old and now these days I work for the City about a mile away in downtown St. Augustine so I can stop in there often. The photographer's deck...photo pass holders only, but never enforced...is actually lower than the main boardwalk. It is eye level with a tree that supports several nests each Spring. As of about an hour ago Great Egrets are nesting there and usually a few Spoonbills will build there too. Spoonbills are also nesting at the 'Farm now. There are three levels at the deck that you can stand on, and at certain times it is a good vantage point, with a nice, distant background at certain angles. Otherwise, it's a nice thing to check out, but the best flight shots are from the main boardwalk, as are the chicks that hatch from April through June. The main Oak Tree at the center of the rookery is not doing well as it is very old and the birds don't exactly extend its life by their nesting activities. Several Cypress trees are now planted around it and some of it has been removed. Things have changed, for better or worse is a matter of opinion, but I'm looking forward to another fun Spring out there. Please feel free to message me with any questions. (Most traveling photographers really want to know where the good restaurants are though.)
As far as restaurants go, is Barnacle Bills still operating? We used to go there to eat and would leave with Datil Pepper sauce and relish, whenever we visited St Augustine.
I would say that BobbyV is spot on. I had a photographer pass last year and didn’t really think the photographer deck was anything special. I think the real advantage of the photographer pass is the early entry and later closing. I recall the best times are late March and in April.
BobbyV
Well-known member
No problem. Barnacle Bill's, one of my personal lunchtime favorites, has moved. Now there is a very nice hotel at that location. (The owner allowed me access on the roof of the tallest building in town to shoot 4th of July fireworks so I have no complaints) but it is now at a hotel on US 1 in St. Augustine, and it is still good. I get the flounder and fries. Nice, new places are around as well.
For a quick walk up place to eat I think Osprey Tacos is really good!
I'll give them a try the next time I'm in town. It's the one just up Anastasia toward the bridge?
Yes! Another awesome place to eat and have a drink is the Ice Plant. It is an old actual ice plant converted into a restaurant, bar and distillery. They still make ice there and serve it with their drinks. You can also tour the distillery.
Well Ginnie and I are there the first week in April (5-8). We will welcome all advice anyone can give us.
Tom
Tom
Maljo
Well-known member
I’ll be there April 1, using the secret Backcountry Gallery handshake.
Really! Or April fools!
It looks like in addition to our April 5-8 visit I need to schedule a visit in May. "So many birds, so little time." I'm glad I didn't wait for a Z-8.
Tom
Tom
MadMikeOne
Member
It is a very small area tucked in behind something (I can't remember where exactly) that actually has signs posted. I checked it out a few times, and decided that the boardwalk was the much better way to go. I purchase the Photographers' Pass for early access (Red Door - and you MUST be there by 8AM!!), and late closing. If you opt in for that, make sure you stay until the birds come back in to roost for the night - an amazing sight!
MadMikeOne
Member
My husband & I stop in late March/very early April on the way to the west coast - lots of nesting activity going on then. On the way back north, we stop in again at the very end of April/early May - chicks are hatching, and there is more feeding activity.
BobbyV
Well-known member
FWIW, Early entry starts this Sunday. What is really cool is that the day of the time change, you can get in 10 minutes after sunrise and shoot in that sweet early morning light.
Which means that this Sunday is potentially the best day of the year to go early, as far as lighting is concerned.