The VAAS Rookery is one of Venice, Florida’s best kept secrets. Those who discover this treasure understand the reason why. Photographers and birders from near and far come to the rookery to enjoy and photograph nesting birds during January, February and March. Although these months are the busiest time of the year, the rookery has visitors all year around. The rookery is on a small island in a very small lake. Even at that, during nesting time it is quite crowded with Great Blue Heron and Great Egrets and some Anhingas and Night Heron. The best time to photograph is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The best vantage point late in the afternoon is the path to the left of the pavilion.  

	Directions to the VAAS Rookery From the North, take US 41 (Tamiami Trail) south 1/2 mile past Rt. 776. Turn right onto Annex Road at the Anderson Sarasota County Administration/Court House building. Follow Annex Road to rookery on right.
	From the South, take US 41 (Tamiami Trail) north past Jacaranda Blvd. (Wal-Mart on south corner) Make left turn onto Annex Road just past FL State Police Barracks. Follow Annex Road to rookery on right.