Notes from the Field: Birding on the Space Coast
Titusville, Florida
March, 2026
Last week, my annual bird photography workshop in Florida once again took place along the Space Coast. This was my 9th year in the Canaveral area, and I am already looking forward to next year. Very rarely do I conduct a workshop that concentrates on only one subject, but the Space Coast in March is abundant with a variety of birds in great locations. So, birding it is. My group and I had a fantastic, fun, productive time featuring many great images created, as well as some fun highlights. As always, we visited Black Point Drive at Merritt Island, the Orlando Wetlands, and Jetty Park Beach for the brunt of our bird photography.
- We photographed wading birds, foraging birds, birds carrying nesting material, birds in flight, shore birds, birds of prey, birds feeding chicks, and more
- We photographed birds in wetland habitats, on ponds, in grasses, on the beach, along shorelines, in trees, and in flight
This time of year also allows photographers to capture birds displaying their mating plumage, which can feature brilliant colors. We also had the opportunity to photograph newborn chicks on nests with their parents.
- Along Black Point Drive, Reddish Egrets in soft light on calm water are a desired subject for the week. Their foraging behavior, as well as their breeding plumage, is superb
- This year, a nest of Roseate Spoonbills with two chicks was about 30 feet off the boardwalk at Orlando Wetlands offering superb compositions
- Other nesting birds, such as Great Egrets and Black-Capped Night Herons with chicks, were also visible
Early mornings at Merritt Island featured soft light with calm waters, perfect for reflections and foraging behavior. Late afternoon offers different perspectives and locations for the birds. At the Wetlands, late afternoon light is best along the boardwalk where nesting birds are, in many cases, a 300mm lens away. The rest of the Wetlands, morning and afternoon, provide an impressive list of birds everywhere. Honestly, it is overwhelming. Jetty Beach Park at first light is fun for wading, shore birds, busy Brown Pelicans, Osprey, and walking in the surf. I shot over 5000 images during the week, which is a bit unusual for me, but memory cards fill up FAST in bird photography.
One afternoon, the group and I enjoyed an airboat ride on the nearby St. John River. I have been doing this fun event for the past several years so attendees can witness the relationship between the nearby Orlando Wetlands and the St John River. Each day, the Orlando Wetlands processes millions of gallons of wastewater from the city of Orlando. Eventually, this cleaned water is pumped into the St John River. This 90-minute private ride offers opportunities to photograph birds and alligators along the river and into a cypress swamp.
Next year’s trip is already set up and ready for attendees to start booking!
Next up on the Photo Adventure Calendar is Great Smoky Mountains National Park during peak wildflower season in April.
