So here I am on Central Florida’s eastern coast, where millions of birds gather to watch America not launch space shuttles. I’m going to try something different while I’m here – posting about things the same day they happen. Possibly the next day. We’ll see how it goes.
Before I start on the trip though, there’s other big news: I got a camera. And it’s awesome. I finally felt bad enough about my iPhone-held-up-to-binoculars setup to do some research and plunk down some cash. I settled on the Canon EOS 60D, with a 70-300mm zoom lens. It may not be the rig of a serious wildlife photographer, but it’s a hell of a lot of camera for a stooge like me. And I’m stoked.
The festival hasn’t officially started, but since it starts for me at 6 AM sharp tomorrow, I figured I ought to make ready. Not wanting to spend an extra vacation day traveling, I took a red-eye from L.A. to Orlando last night, then spent most of today working from my sister’s place in nearby Winter Springs. (Yes, I’m tired.) Mid-afternoon, I headed to Titusville to check in at Festival HQ.
Before I start on the trip though, there’s other big news: I got a camera. And it’s awesome. I finally felt bad enough about my iPhone-held-up-to-binoculars setup to do some research and plunk down some cash. I settled on the Canon EOS 60D, with a 70-300mm zoom lens. It may not be the rig of a serious wildlife photographer, but it’s a hell of a lot of camera for a stooge like me. And I’m stoked.
The festival hasn’t officially started, but since it starts for me at 6 AM sharp tomorrow, I figured I ought to make ready. Not wanting to spend an extra vacation day traveling, I took a red-eye from L.A. to Orlando last night, then spent most of today working from my sister’s place in nearby Winter Springs. (Yes, I’m tired.) Mid-afternoon, I headed to Titusville to check in at Festival HQ.
This is the first thing you see when you walk in.
The scene was sorta subdued. A few older folks waited behind tables to give attendees their ID badges and welcome bags, while a few other older folks worked on setting up the exhibition hall. The woman who greeted me was all smiles, but wasn’t inclined to linger over our conversation. Perhaps it was fatigue, or a general concern for efficiency, that hastened our parting. Moments later, when one of the staffers remarked that things were quiet, the responses were “Thank God!” and “Don’t jinx it!” It seemed the ladies were still reeling from some earlier deluge of birders demanding speedy service. It’s hard to imagine, but anything’s possible.
The scene of the bum rush?
Regardless, I was on cloud nine. I rushed to my hotel, tied up some loose ends for work, and headed out for a quick taste of the outdoors just before sunset. I didn’t find a lot of birds, but it felt good to be out there, and I know the next few days will bring an obscene plenty. As the sun set, I conducted a quick survey of the nearby dining options: McD’s, Wendy’s, BK, Waffle House, IHOP, Denny’s...... one gas station included a KFC, another a DQ. I went with Quizno’s. If I ever want to indulge myself after a grueling day in the field, I’ll head to Cracker Barrel (conveniently located within waddling distance of my hotel). Anyway, you don’t fly from L.A. to Titusville for the food. Even a bird wouldn’t do that.
Alright then. Tomorrow morning is my first field trip of the festival, to the Viera Wetlands. I’m excited to meet the experts who are leading the trip, to play with my new camera some more, and just to see Florida birds, which in this birder’s cholesterol-drenched heart will always be the best birds. Bus leaves at 6am, which means I’ll be up by 5am, which is really 2am for me, and I only slept three hours on the plane, so… I’ll catch you later.
Just to whet your appetite (maybe?) for things to come, here are a few bird pics I took at my sis's place:
Alright then. Tomorrow morning is my first field trip of the festival, to the Viera Wetlands. I’m excited to meet the experts who are leading the trip, to play with my new camera some more, and just to see Florida birds, which in this birder’s cholesterol-drenched heart will always be the best birds. Bus leaves at 6am, which means I’ll be up by 5am, which is really 2am for me, and I only slept three hours on the plane, so… I’ll catch you later.
Just to whet your appetite (maybe?) for things to come, here are a few bird pics I took at my sis's place:
Hooded Merganser
Snowy Egret
White Ibis and Snowy Egret
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