Merge three exciting outdoor activities--birding, nature photography and boating--and join a birding photography expedition in Sarasota.
Fishing isn't all you can do when you go out on a boat with Captain Terry Frankford of Reelin & Chillin Charters, Inc. Birding enthusiasts will want to capture the breathtaking sightings while both amateur and professional photographers will get great shots for their portfolios. Those that are both birdwatchers and photographers will find the best of both worlds in one place, out on the water.
The birding photography expeditions generally last two hours and run from Hart's Landing at the Ringling Bridge to the Siesta Key rookery islands in Robert's Bay. The trips are becoming increasingly popular as photographers discover the quality of shots they get from a boat. Capt. Frankford, who is a fishing guide, as well as a photography/birding guide and instructor, takes photographers from all over the world out on the boating trips.
"Birding photography in Sarasota is one of the best you will find anywhere," he says. "The rookery islands near Siesta Key are a birder's and bird photographer's dream."
One of the reasons the boating expeditions are so successful is that the birding photographers can get much closer to the birds by boat. There are also many shorebirds and, as Capt. Frankford points out, they're not shy. Several different species are close together, so the birders and photographers can squeeze many shots and sightings into a shot period of time.
Sightings often include great blue herons, cormorants, great white egrets, brown pelicans, night herons, oyster catchers, spoonbills and snowy egrets. The birds popping out of the mangroves, perching and landing with branches make beautiful shots. In the winter months, birds with nesting material and chicks are common sightings.
"There's a perfect set-up for morning shoots as the sun is behind your back and the east wind makes for fantastic flight shots," Frankford says. "The birds almost float into their nests."
He adds, "Anyone who comes aboard will find that the amount of different species seen in such a short trip will be one of the most satisfying birding trips they've ever experienced. I always get fantastic results...my customers say it was far above their expectations."
The nearly perfect year-round weather and serene waters of Sarasota make it the ideal spot for this sort of expedition.
In addition to the boating trips, Capt. Frankford offers professional instruction and helps with workshops for photographers and birders. Photography instructors can bring him on board to assist with the birders and photographers that come to Sarasota. A workshop typically includes 2-3 days in the field, personalized field instruction and mid-day image reviews and critiques.
If you're interested in setting up an expedition, contact Capt. Terry Frankford at (941) 228-7802 or terry.frankford@verizon.net. To learn more, visit http://charterfishingsarasota.com and http://naturetourflorida.com. Check out some of the photography at http://wildshotsphotography.com.
