Photographing Florida's St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
During my photography trip to Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a visit to St. Marks Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge was a must do. Arriving in the early morning hours of a crisp December day, we seemed to have the entire 83,000 acres to ourselves, aside from the birds.
St. Marks Lighthouse, Florida
St. Marks Lighthouse sits in the heart of the salt marsh at the edge of the Apalachee Bay. Dating back to 1831, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses along the Gulf Coast. For me, it felt like the wilder, taller, and older brother of the Ocracoke Lighthouse, a familiar presence closer to home. As the sun crept over the horizon, it painted the marsh in a soft, brilliant gold, a striking contrast against the white sands of the Gulf Coast.
Beyond it’s iconic lighthouse, St. Marks is an incredible national wildlife refuge- ne of the oldest in the US. It covers over 83,000 acres and 40 miles of Gulf shoreline. For a photographer, it’s paradise. As a key stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail the refuge is a favorite for birdwatchers and photographers alike, with over 300 species of birds recorded here. We were constantly rewarded by the sight of a heron on the hunt or a flock of ducks moving in formation across the water.
American Wigeons
Tricolored Heron
Anhinga, drying their wings
Our visit to St. Marks was one of profound peace, with beauty found in every direction. It was the kind of place you want to visit regularly, knowing each time you’ll see something different. The refuge offers a beauty that is both restorative and inspiring- quiet solitude found in a salt marsh at sunrise, the patient observation of a heron, and the enduring presence os a historic lighthouse watching over it all.
The journey doesn't end here. This post is part of a series chronicling my photography trip to Florida's Forgotten Coast. Join me for the full story and discover more beautiful moments!
Where the Panhandle Meets the Past: A Forgotten Coast Photography Story
A Photographer's Journey to Florida's Forgotten Coast: The Magic of Scipio Creek & Mill Pond
Finding Beauty in the Storm and the Quiet that Follows: A St. George Island Photo Story
Be Present When the Light Appears: A Day of Photographing Sunshine on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Moving at Nature’s Pace: Bird Photography on St. George Island
Photographing the Wakulla Riverboat Tour: A Ride Through Nature
