The Venice rookery is a "must see" for any serious photographer traveling down the west coast of Florida. Located right in the city of Venice, a small island provides safe haven for a variety of nesting birds. The Great Blue Heron, White Egret, and Anhinga are common. Breeding colors, usually seen in February and March, add visual interest to the birds. Feeding chicks, territorial battles, and nest gathering behavior will quickly deplete your film supply. Big glass, 500 mm or more, is needed for the island residents but smaller lenses can be used for images of birds gathering sticks on shore or flight shots. Morning light generally works best but silhouettes can be dramatic in late evening