Well, let me start by asking you a history question or two. 1 - What town on the east coast of the United States claims to have a fountain that contains the secret to youth? 2 - Now for a bonus point, do you remember who discovered this great fountain? 3 - The final and perhaps the most important question for photographers: Where can you go to photograph nesting birds among alligators, lots of alligators?

Well, I'm sure you knew the answers to all those questions, but if you didn't or you're a little rusty on your history, read on. The town is St. Augustine the home of the Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon who discovered St. Augustine on the east coast of Florida and the Fountain of Youth. Today, Fort Castillo De San Marcos and several of the old buildings are still standing. Many of the old buildings are historical sites and several have been turned into quaint little gift shops. Visiting these buildings, which are all in walking distance of each other, will help you become familiar with local culture and the history of the area and its surroundings.

Now for the answer to the last question, which all you photographers have been waiting for, is The Alligator Farm. In the spring there are hundreds of Egrets, Herons, Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Wood Storks, and other birds that come to this small partial of land to nest and raise their offspring. Finding this bird haven will be no problem, just asks anyone and they'll be glad to give you directions. The farm opens daily at 9 am and there is a small entrance fee. If you plan to visit more than one day, I would recommend that you purchase the annual pass. Once you're inside the farm, you'll find the employees to be very helpful and they will gladly answer your questions.

There are several shows during the day to educate visitors on the various wildlife of the area. In addition, twice a day the alligators are fed at two different locations and visitors are invited to watch. The farm also has live displays of gators from all over the world and a large nursery for growing gators. In addition, there are some other animals on display and several Macaws or Parrots are displayed at various locations weather permitting. Sometimes the birds will talk to you and they are more than glad for you to take their picture. If you get hungry or need to use the restroom, have no fear. There is a restaurant on the property with sandwiches, drinks, chips, etc. available and restrooms are located in at least two different areas. Also, there is a gift shop located at the entrance-exit.

As you enter the alligator farm you will find more than adequate walkways through out the farm. The elevated wooden walkway over the water is where you will find most of the birds nesting. While I was at the farm in late April there were Egrets,(Cattle, Great, Reddish, & Snowy), and Wood Storks nesting and many of them had young. The Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds were either preparing nests or feeding young.

One of the highlights of being at the farm during this time of year, in addition to seeing the young, was watching the birds in their breeding plumage. If you are lucky, and you probably will be, you'll be amazed at the antics these birds go through while doing their mating dance. In addition don't be surprised if you see alligators getting into the mating game. I got to observe several females as they bellowed and rippled the water calling for a male partner.

The best thing about being able to photograph birds at this location is that many of the nests are right next to the boardwalk. Some of the birds are so close that you can reach out and touch the birds while sitting on their nest, although I don't suggest that you do.

While I was at the Alligator farm Arthur Morris was conducting a photography work shop. I was able to talk to him and many of the local students that were in his class. It was not unusual to see the students using 70-200, 300 f4, 100-400 lenses. This is not to say that the long glass lens - 400, 500, & 600 were not present. I actually did most of my photography with a 300 f4 lens using the 1.4 & 2 x when I needed the extra length and shorter lenses when the birds were too close for the 300mm lens.

You need to be prepared for weather changes. While I was there the weather was overcast, cool, and windy the first two days. This prevented the birds from being as active as they would have been. When the sun did finally come out the birds were much more active and many started doing their mating dance. You will also need to be prepared for vibration on the boardwalk when other people are walking close to you. Also, there may be groups of school children visiting and I shouldn't have to tell you the problems this may cause for a brief period of time. However, it may open up opportunities for you to talk to these young folks about photography and preserving natural areas. Who knows, one of them may become the next Arthur Morris, John Shaw, or L. L. Rue, etc.

Most of the photographers were utilizing flash for fill-in and were using Walt Anderson's Better Beamer flash extenders. Most were setting their flash on - 1/3 to -2 and were opening up the camera meter 1/3 or more to expose for the white Egrets. By setting the flash unit on -1/3 to -2 it allowed the flash to put a nice catch light in the birds eyes and helped to fill in some of the shadows. Hint: If you are using flash it is better to mount the flash 8-14 inches above the lens. This will help eliminate the harsh shadows you get sometimes behind your subject and the red or white eyes which occur from your flash being mounted too close to the lens. Kirk and Really Right Stuff manufacture brackets for you to be able to extend your flash unit.

Someone asked about why all these birds come here to nest each year and don't the gators get many of their babies? Well, it is true that if one of the birds fell out of the nest if would be a nice appetizer for a gator, but in reality the gators keep many of the birds' predators away. They don't have to worry about raccoons, snakes, etc. getting to them or their babies.

While at the Alligator farm don't forget to keep your eyes open for other photographic opportunities. If you look around you will be able to find many varieties of subjects to photograph. One afternoon, I was able to photograph two different species of turtles that were together around an old tree log. I also was able to photograph a few birds bathing, pruning or cleaning themselves, and feeding.

Before I left the St. Augustine area, I rode down to St. Augustine beach and was able to photograph gulls and other shore birds feeding. In addition, you'll find plenty of photographic opportunities to add to your travel adventure, such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Fort Castillo De San Marcos, historical buildings, boat harbors, sunrises/sunsets, and local people that are all part of this historic city. Don't forget you may want to check out the fountain of youth, who knows what secrets it may hold.

You shouldn't have any trouble getting a motel room. Of course it's always wise to call ahead and make your reservations. Most of the major hotel-motels are in the area. There are several good restaurants in the area as well as most of the fast food chains.

There are many photographic opportunities awaiting you in this part of Florida. Depending on the time you have, you may want to visit other photography areas, such as Ding Darling and the Everglades for additional bird photography. Either way you're sure to come away with many great photos, at the place known as, The Alligator Farm.

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts.