Brisbane/SEQ wildlife and/or bird locations?

[troypiggo]

Over the Chrissy break, I was thinking about doing a couple of things to practice shooting wildlife and birds.

One was to go to a zoo or wildlife sanctuary to take photos up close of the animals. I don't mean just as a normal visitor, I mean get into the enclosures etc and get real close. I've seen photo enthusiast club sessions where they get let in and up close to the animals. Just wondering if anyone in the Brisbane area has had any experience with that.

If not, which of the local zoos/parks do you reckon has the best photo opportunities? I've been to Aust Zoo and Currumbin Bird Sanctuary in the last year or 2. Any better?

Was also thinking of trying to get out and shoot some birds in the wild. Anyone know any good locations around here?

[DAdeGroot]

As it would happen, I've just written up a photo guide to my local area (http://knol.google.com/k/david-de-groot/a-photographers-guide-to-cedar-creek/3ndhz2t2eygfh/1), teeming with wildlife if you're patient.

[troypiggo]

G'day Dave. Good writeup with some great images to complement it. Thanks for that.

[The_Camera_Poser]

O'Reilly's in Lamington NP is a must- swarming with birds. Make sure you hunt around this picnic grounds for the Regent Bowerbirds.

[troypiggo]

Oh yeah, went there last Christmas for a walk. Unfortunately teaming down with rain. But could see there were heaps of birds - rosellas, regent bower birds, even saw a satin bower bird nest. Good idea - long drive there but will make a day of it.

[boipevassu]

How about getting up to The Daintree in TNQ? Short flight but fantastic for all sorts of wildlife. Spent July/August in your neck of the woods - agree that Lammington, O'Reilley's Aus Zoo and Currumbin are all great - but getting close to the creatures in the wild is more of a buzz. Lots of raptors, kingfishers, frogmouths and waterfowl among others, and that was winter.

Would recommend Chris Dahlberg for cheap and well run expert boat trips - he'll stick you in the front of the boat with the camera if you get into a conversation with him beforehand.

He logs his sightings on his web page

http://home.austarnet.com.au/chrisld/

[troypiggo]

Sounds great, but it's a bit far for day trips etc. Might suggest it to wife for a holiday some time, but having just splashed out on wedding/honeymoon can't really afford another trip just yet :)

[The_Camera_Poser]

Troy- isn't there a wetland reserve north of the airport in Brissy?

You could always photograph birds on the beach in surfers- just look out for their mates! LOL

[troypiggo]

Yeah, just read about somewhere at Nudgee. I think that's where I'll be going for at least one day.

Re: Surfers - lol. I feel uncomfortable shooting in the street for fear of someone coming up and having a go at me for shooting them (even if I'm not). Let alone some beach babe with a huge boyfriend :) Think I'll stick with insects, animals and landscapes :)

[The_Camera_Poser]

Re: Surfers - lol. I feel uncomfortable shooting in the street for fear of someone coming up and having a go at me for shooting them (even if I'm not). Let alone some beach babe with a huge boyfriend :) Think I'll stick with insects, animals and landscapes :)

Yeah- I'd hate to eat my camera. LOL