The ” Dawn to Dusk” extended hours program for the Gatorland Rookery is now over for this year. We would like to thank all of you that participated in the 2009 Gatorland Birding & Photo Pass program, and we look forward to having you out next year for another great Birding Season. While the extended hours may be over for 2009, the Rookery is always available during normal business hours (currently 9:00am - 6:00pm) and there are still quite a few birds and babies within the Gatorland Rookery. Don’t forget about our 2009 Photo Contest… there is plenty of time left to go through this years photos or come out and take some more! Deadline for all entries is Monday November 2, 2009.

In 2010 we anticipate starting the “Dawn to Dusk” program in February and ending late June, stay tuned for more details!

Mike Godwin
Gatorland

Howdy Folks!

There is still a lot of activity within the Gatorland Rookery, with fledging birds everywhere and some still sitting on eggs. A few nests are actually still under construction, so we will have activity for quite some time. The major players are Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Tricolored Herons, Little Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets, and Anhingas, all still sitting on nests. Of course, there are lots of other birds to photograph, like Osprey, Ibis, Woodpeckers, Woodstorks and many more.

Extended hours for the Rookery officially ended June 28, however, we will be offering a reduced access plan for July, with early access at 7:30am on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Late access (until 8:00pm) wll be on Friday and Saturdays only through July.

There are lots of great photo opportunities to still be had at Gatorland this year, and with the new Gatorland Photo Contest in full swing we want to give everyone a chance to enjoy the wonderful display of nature still going on. So if you want to brave the warmer temps come on out and have some fun… there are still lots of opportunities available for some great birding!

The 2009 New Year marks the very beginning of Gatorland’s Birding Season as the Double Crested Cormorants and Great Egrets have already started nesting within the Rookery, and several other species are showing courtship behaviors. Starting February 4, 2009 we will begin our “Dawn to Dusk” Birding Program, (access to the Rookery section only) with early entry at 7:30 am and the ability to stay past closing time until dusk. This new program will run Wednesday through Sunday February 4 - June 28, 2009. That’s 5 months of extended access to the Gatorland Rookery!

Through January, the Rookery can be accessed daily during normal business hours (9:00am - 5:00pm). Beginning Wednesday, February 4, 2009 early morning access to the Rookery will be at 7:30 am every Wednesday through Sunday for Annual Photo Pass, Single Day Photo Ticket, and Birding Tour Ticket holders. Gatorland Annual Pass and Swamp Season Pass holders can enter at 7:30 am for just $5.00 (plus tax) per visit. Extended access to the Rookery is available until dusk for Annual Photo Pass, Single Day Photo Ticket, and Birding Tour Ticket holders. Gatorland Annual Pass and Swamp Season Pass holders can stay until Dusk for just $5.00 (plus tax) per visit. General Admission tickets can also be upgraded to Dusk access for just $10.00 (plus tax).

For more information on our Annual Photo Pass option please click here: Gatorland Annual Photo Pass

For more information on our Single Day Photo Ticket option please click here: Gatorland Single Day Photo Ticket