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The lower portion of the Carman’s River flows for 3 miles through the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge on its way to the Great South Bay on the South Shore of Long Island. The refuge is home to over 240 species of birds including a pair of nesting American bald eagles. In addition, depending on the season, the time of day, and the luck of the moment assorted wildlife can be spotted along the shores of the river including: turtles, great blue herons, egrets, piping plovers, and on occasion white tailed deer, raccoons, and muskrats.

Individuals interested in wildlife & waterscape photography will enjoy this 4 hour guided kayak tour of the main river, two tributaries and backwater areas frequented by the wildlife.

  • John will steer you into these areas and help get you ready for the best photography experience as birds lift off and fly across the kayak bow.

  • He’ll provide some expert advice while guiding you along the water to known locations that contain osprey nests and the nesting areas of the eagles plus the best views of basking turtles.

  • John brings over 15 years of Carman’s River wildlife photography experience to every tour.

  • Plus while paddling along he’ll fill you in on typical behavior of the wildlife.

  • Learn some river history of the duck farms, as well as the historic characters it is named after.

  • Hear interesting and frequently humorous stories of his picture taking experiences.

Photography Tour details…

  • $250.00 for an individual 4 hour kayak photography tour or $350 for 6 hours.

  • Includes guide, kayak rental, PFD, & dry bag for camera gear.

  • Custom time of day (along with best tides for navigation).

  • Meet up at shop – Carman’s River Canoe & Kayak II – 2979 Montauk Highway, Brookhaven, NY 11719.

  • Call (631) 803-8496 to set-up reservation plans.

  • No kayaking experience necessary – you’ll learn the basics while having fun.

About the Guide…

John P. Cardone is a Long Island author, a nature photographer, a photography instructor, and a lecturer on nature topics. He has been invited to speak at the Survivorship Meeting of the LI Chapter of the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, numerous public libraries in Nassau & Suffolk Counties, the Clark Botanic Garden, the Nassau County Hiking Club, the Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center, the Great South Bay Audubon Society, and the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge, among other centers and organizations.

John’s nature photographs, most of which have been taken while kayaking LI waters, have been exhibited at art shows with the Northport Arts Coalition, the Good Ground Artists out of Hampton Bays, the Islip Arts Council, the Art League of Long Island, Levittown Library, Sachem Library, Connetquot Library, Half Hollow Hills Library, Hampton Bays Library, and the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, among others. John teaches introductory and advanced wildlife & waterscape photography at both the Islip Arts Council’s School of Visual Arts and the Long Island Art League in Dix Hills, NY.

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