Looking to start photographing birds...
 

I know this will no doubt turn into a political discussion, but I am hoping to get a little advice before it gets locked.

I have been a casual photographer for most of my life and a professional for about 5 years.

I have never shot nature - landscapes, animals, birds, insects, etc. and I thought it would renew my passion to expand into these areas. I have added an ultra-long lense for birds and a macro lense for insects.

Now, I just need some suggestions on where to go sit and shoot here in The Villages.

Fenney nature walk comes to mind.

Hogeye Sink trail in Marsh Bend, too many bird types to name !

Lake Sumter is another option for water birds. You might also contact user alemorkam for further suggestions. He/she posts frequently under the Picture Perfect forum. Have fun!

Thank you all very much, I had planned to visit the nature trail behind Fenny Grill (since I live right down the street). I very much appreciate the other suggestions!

My wife just got back from Washington (she was gone for 6 months to be a transplant buddy for her son) and I mentioned I was going to start photographing birds and nature, and she wants to join it, so we are getting her a camera outfit and we will make this a date day weekly!

This is something we can do alone while maintaining social distancing.

(BTW: I am currently staying in our office/extra bedroom and she is staying in the bedroom for 14 days of self-isolation since she flew back - it ends Friday, we are really looking forward to hugging and kissing again after so long :)

YEAH!

What a wonderful hobby to do together. Enjoy every minute of it!

The Villages Birders club has recommended locations on their website.

Behind the archery range at Paradise Rec center there are a couple of nests that some hawks have been occupying. No idea if they built the nests or not. I have some photos of one of them, the feathers were sort of splotched white and brown near the ends of the wings and tail, and more tawny on the rest of the body, with a whitish color to its head. It was maybe 14-16 inches tall, I didn't want to get too close to it. It was standing on a fence post watching us and just kind of hanging out.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a great place to photograph birds.

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First your backyard .! Then any water feature . then anyplace you see two landscapes come together I.e. edge of forest to pasture . and don't forget the Eagles and hawks that nest in light poles . lastly any bush or tree can be your next cardinal sighting. The humming birds love my hibiscus around 6pm to 7pm

I shoot a lot of birds and there are several good spots.

Fenney nature walk
Sharon Wiechens preserve by Belle Glade CC
Lake Sumter Landing
Spanish Springs pond
Paradise Park across from Spanish Springs by bridge
Freedom Pointe across from the emergency room at the hospital

Those are my go to spots there are others like
Nancy López CC
The churches on RT 466 and Morse
The pond at 466 and Morse

And you'll find others as you drive around. Bodies of water always see like good spots.

Here's my bird gallery
Birds

Venetian Gardens in Leesburg is teaming with all kinds of birds and wildlife

Good Luck and have fun!! You have earned it! The both of you are to be commended for your love and patience!

You may want to inquire about joining the villages birders club. As a member they provide a location bulletin for observing. Just google the club name. It’s 5$ yearly membership I just joined. I thought it would be a great way to be outdoors, healthy activity away from Covid, peace and quiet

Beautiful..gorgeous pictures!