Click Image for Alligator Farm Website
Image by Caroline Peppiatt
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
999 Anastasia Blvd.
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Phone (904)824-3337
OPEN DAILY 9-5
EXTENDED HOURS MEMORIAL
DAY THRU LABOR DAY 9-6
Free Parking
Click Image for JCC Alligator Farm Photos
Image by Jack Stephens
A Florida attraction since 1893, St. Augustine Alligator Farm draws photographers from around the world to capture images of nesting birds on the elevated boardwalk.
Native herons, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks seek the security of the Alligator Swamp to roost and raise their young. With hundreds of alligators swimming beneath the oak branches, the birds know their young are safe from tree-climbing predators. The wooden walkway allows for incredibly intimate views of Florida’s magnificent wading birds on their nests. Photographers achieve award-winning shots here every year. Visit from March through June to see the most nesting activity with the birds in full breeding plumage.
Adults (ages 12+)………………………………$24.99
Children (ages 3-11)………………....………..$13.99
Guests in Wheelchairs (Adults)……...……….$12.49
Guests in Wheelchairs (Children)….………….$6.99
Photo Membership $89.95
Year-round entry into the park
March- July daily extended hours benefits including early entry at 8 am and stay until sunset (weather dependant). Dates change seasonally, please call for details on what date early entry begins.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING ?
The wooden walkway allows the photographer to get very close to birds and nests. It is advisable to bring a long zoom lens and a tripod.
A hat is a must, sunscreen advised. There is a cafe on the property for food and drinks. Restrooms are located throughout the property.
Walkways through the farm and the rookery allow wheelchairs and walking aids. Carts would be difficult to manage during high season in the rookery.
ROOKERY
Late February
Great egret and spoonbill pairs continue to arrive, along with some Wood storks. The Greats start to lay eggs.
Early March
Great egrets and Wood storks continue to flock in.
Mid March
Most Great egrets are incubating eggs. The Wood storks begin to lay.
Late March
Great egret chicks start hatching out. Most storks incubating eggs. A few of the Snowy egrets, Little blue herons, and Tri-colored herons start arriving. The Snowys waste no time and immediately lay eggs. Roseate spoonbills continue to nest build throughout the season.
Early April
Wood stork chicks start hatching. Great egret chicks are starting to get to a good size. Snowys, Little blues, and Tri-coloreds are laying eggs. Cattle egrets start showing up.
Mid April
The Green herons start nesting within the park (not the rookery). Still lots of displaying birds of every species.
HABITAT
Late April
Rookery is mass chaos. Snowy chicks start hatching. Wood stork chicks are screaming constantly. Great egret chicks are pretty big. All of the smaller species have arrived.
Early May
There are chicks of every species in the rookery at this time, but still displaying from all species with the exception of the wood storks. Green heron chicks hatching out within the park. Spoonbill eggs due to hatch soon.
Mid May
The Great egret and stork chicks are gigantic. There are chicks of every size from every species. Many species still continuing to display.
Early June
Nothing has even fledged yet. The displaying has started winding down but there are still birds on eggs. Chicks everywhere.
July
Fledglings are everywhere. Displaying is over. Still a few nests with smaller chicks.
August
Season is over and the majority of the birds fly off.