Florida Bird Photography Locations

Ken Thompson Park / Boat Ramp Sarasota

City: Sarasota

GPS: N27 20.011 W82 34.503

There is a park & boat ramp area just beside the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary in Sarasota. This area can be good for Pelicans and Black Crown Nigh Herons and other waders and gulls. One should check the employee entrance side of the Pelican Man, it faces the boat ramp area. Many subjects could be perched on the various poles here. This location can be good in both morning or afternoon. This area extends all the way down to the end of the road at the end of Sarasota Bay.

Note the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary is now closed. While I have not visited the area since their closing I would think this still could be a viable spot due to the water and the boat ramp.

Directions: Exit I-75 on Fruitville Road in Sarasota. Head west on Fruitville until it ends at RT 41. Take a left on RT 41 and then prepare to make a right onto John Ringling Blvd. This is the bridge / causeway that will take you over Sarasota Bay to St. Armonds Circle. Once coming over the bridge continue till you enter the traffic circle, keep in your right lane and follow the signs for Longboat Key. Watch your speed once coming off the bridge, the area including the circle is heavily enforced. The road coming off the traffic circle to Longboat Key is North Blvd of Presidents which will turn into John Ringling Parkway. Continue here until you approach a drawbridge. Just before the drawbridge is a road to the right which is Ken Thompson Blvd. Turn right here and continue on this road, you'll find the park and boat ramps on the right just past the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary. Mote Marine is down this way so following any their signs is fairly safe.