Smith Oaks Rookery

Yesterday (Sunday 26th March, two of us went to Smith Oaks. Apparently a birding convention was going on & the place was full of people with binoculars. The one deck with the best view had a couple of photographers, one gentleman - had his camera set up & was sitting on the bench with his camera pointed at one nest, while he held the remote cable. He was taking pictures maybe every 2 or 3 minutes - when he felt the shot would b right. My friend & I were early - wanting the later light so we were not taking pics, just standing at the very back. It was chaotic with birders wanting to view the area but no one could get in to the front unless someone else left. Several women were watching the viewing deck for several minutes, finally one spoke up. She was the Director. She had noticed that "photographers" (the one gentleman) were hogging the viewing deck & not letting "birders" view also. The photographer did finally get up & move for a few minutes but, after she left - went right back to his 'spot' & didn't move again. It was mentioned by the Director that a sign would have to be posted, asking photographers not to spend more than 10 minutes or so taking pics.
I got my good light & started taking pics. The "gentleman photographer" stated he had been there since 6 a.m. & didn't move from his position. My friend, a photographer, had given up his spot several times to allow others a view, but finally he got disgusted because he was the only one doing it & went back to his car.
Smith Oaks has attracted a lot of attention lately & more people are wanting to see this wonderful rookery. Please don't forget that tripods take up a lot of space. Allow others to view the area too. I know we travel a long journey to get there but so do other folks too! Happy shooting! Hazel

It is too bad that we photographers feel we have more of a right to be somewhere because we have a purpose for being there. It is important that we treat these areas with respect or we will loose the opportunity to go there as photographers. Considerations for others is always important especially at these highly visited locations. I enjoy letting other look through my lense to get a better view. They are always appreciative. These prime locations seem to be getting smaller and smaller as more people start visiting them. We msot show them the respect they diserve. Thank you for your post.

I've only visited the rookery once, the day before you, and was very impressed with the wounderful opportunity to watch and photograph. Needless to say I was saddened to hear a short time later that warfare had broken out between the birders and photographers. Someone reported that a total ban on photography was being considered, but they decided to see if lesser measures could work. It's amazing that adults can't exhibit more common sense and courtesy. Let's hope a simple sign gets the message across.

I found the best light very late in the afternoon and at sunset, with the golden glow reflecting off of Clay Bottom Pond. At the time, all of the observation decks were essentially deserted ! Here are a few of my favorites:
http://www.pelzmann.smugmug.com/gallery/1314975

I'll be visiting Smith Oaks around the 6th - 8th of May. I was wondering if there was a ban on photographers? I hope not.

The last time I was there, there was one other photographer and only about 2 birders came through.

We've been to Smith Oaks every week now for about six weeks. It seems to be getting more crowded as the nesting season progresses. Last Friday evening there was a large tour of birders that had the best observation deck completely filled, but there is an open area just south of that platform that was deserted, and we photographed there for about 20 minutes. Then the group left and we were sharing the platform with only a couple of other people. The weekends are obviously the most crowded, so try to go during the week if possible.

There are now signs displayed prominently in a couple of locations requesting photographers to limit their stay at the front of the observation platforms to no more than 20 minutes. Hopefully that will solve the problem at the most crowded times.

By the way, there are lots of great egret chicks now, and even a few spoonbill chicks. The tri-colored herons and snowy egrets are still mostly building nests. Here is an image from last Friday evening that I like a lot, in spite of the interfering twigs and the OOF cattle egret in the background. (Canon 20D, 500mm f/4 IS + 1.4 TC, 1/640s, f/5.6, ISO 200)

Charlie

Charlie - thanks for the update. I'll probably go on a weekday.

I really like the image you posted! I am always amazed by how reptilian chicks look!