Viera Wetlands Brown Limpkin
Viera Wetlands Brown Limpkin
I had spent five days and around thirty hours walking the various Viera Wetlands trails without spotting any Brown Limpkins. Then on my final morning as the sun rose I noticed a single bird perched on a palm tree stump. I focused my D5|200-400 on this bird and as made my shutter release the second bird came flying in. Luckily this bird was on the same focus plane, so both Brown Limpkins were in focus.
The Brown Limpkin is an impressive bird image to capture. For the most part, it is not as skittish as a lot of other critters. Its feather color pattern, size, long legs, and peak make this one of those unusual Florida birds. This was the first time that I have seen them off the ground and perched on a stump.
Getting around Viera Wetlands
The Viera Wetlands are very easy to navigate. If it rains, they will close the roads to vehicles. I find this a fabulous benefit. You are on your own to trek the pathways without carloads of visitors and seat bound photographers pushing you out of your zone. My favorite loop is two miles long. If you arrive at the park opening (Jan, Feb, Mar) @ 7:00 am then depending on what you see you will be done at 9-10 am.
During Jan the park closes at 6:00 PM. My opinion is that it is not worth going to the Wetlands for sunset images. However, in Feb they goto a 7:00 PM schedule and the sunsets here make stunning photos.
The loop (in red arrows) that I outline here is two miles long. It is best to begin as the park opens. As you start the sun is rising behind you, The wetland wild grass reeds are wonderfully illuminated. Around 7:30-8:00 Am, I’d hang around the first corner near the starting point.
There is a good chance you can capture an image of bands of 20-30 flocking ibis-headed your way from their roost on Hammock Island. Be prepared and have your camera settings ready.
At the 1/2 way point of Cell 4, keep your eyes peeled for critters near cedar upland island. I have always spotted nesting Florida SandHill cranes in the area.
Toward the upper end of Cell 4 are various ducks and coots.
At #3, you overlook the entire wetlands. This is the moment you’ll want the car. A 7:00 am drive will get you here quickly for the sunrise pano. Be sure to have those GND ready.
Keep your eyes open as birds can be seen foraging, swimming, preening or drying their feathers.
At #7, keep your eyes peeled on both sides of the wetlands. I have captured images of deer, woodpeckers, and hawks which are outside the inner swamps.
Technical: Camera Settings
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