UPDATED

Alafia Banks - Tampa Bay - UPDATED 3.28.2010

Wind coming from the East, perfect sunny day and low tide. The only thing missing were the Spoonbills. Yet another disappointing day at Alafia Banks, Tampa Bay.

We spent the morning at Alafia Banks looking to photograph Spoonbills in breading colors. We end up enjoying the beautiful light and weather. There were some folks photographing from a boat behind us and I'm sure they were disappointed as well. Hopefully they got their money worth.

Alafia Banks continues to disappoint.

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Alafia Banks is one of the biggest Spoonbill rookeries in the State of Florida. While this location is protected by the Audubon Society, you can carefully photograph Spoonbills from outside the protected areas.

In recent visits, there has been very little activity at the rookery. Less and less Spoonbills showing up during low tide making it harder for the bird photographer.

This location is very easy to access and can be done by anyone with the correct capability. If you own a boat or kayak, you can launch from Williams Park boat ramp. The rookery is about 1.2 miles west of the ramp. That's it!

Please do NOT cross the restricted area and do NOT disturb the animals.

 

Read below for more information.

Williams Park Entrance - Tampa Bay

Williams Park is located at the corner of US 41 S. and Riverview Dr. right at the mouth of the Alafia River.

Williams Park Boat Ramp GPS: 27.860325,-82.384275

Williams Park Boat Ramp - Tampa Bay

 

The Photographing Area

Alafia Banks - Tampa Bay

Alafia Banks - Tampa Bay

While this image was taken during high tide, you can clearly see how far away the birds are. Please note the NO TRESSPASSING sign. You need big glass to photograph from this distance.

During low tide, some times the birds can come closer to the NO TRESSPASSING sign. However, I would not hold my breath on that.

This is not the only area to photograph from. You can circle around the island with your watercraft looking for opportunities. The Audubon Society urge everyone to stay away from the island as much as possible, specially during nesting season. I strongly urge you to follow their request.

Mornings are probably your best option as the sun will be raising from behind you. Afternoons are not as productive as mornings, so I would not bother.

As you can see, Alafia Banks can be accessed by anyone. Please use caution and wear life jackets at all times while operating a watercraft or kayak.

 

GPS: 27.8456, -82.41809

 

Alafia Banks - Tampa Bay