Orlando Wetlands
Our friend Pam volunteers at Orlando Wetlands. She was able to reserve a cart for us and a few photographer friends to get quickly around this very large park. It was a lot of fun and we saw a lot as you’ll see…
We started the day watching many Roseate Spoonbills flying in and out.
We went looking for the female Vermillion Flycatcher and found her right away flying between perches
Female Vermillion Flycatcher singing for us
Female Vermillion Flycatcher sitting looking pretty
The shot I’ve been trying for years to get! The exact moment the Belted Kingfishers beak hits the water as it dives for fish.
American Kestrel sitting on top of a dead palm tree in great light
The Kestrel moved to a farther away palm and was eyeing a Red Shouldered Hawk that was sitting in its territory
The Kestrel had enough of the hawk and dive bombed it until it left
One of the most amazing sights of the day was this Coyote running full speed down the trail in front of us. He kept looking back at us to see what we were doing
Purple Gallinule running across the water
This American Bittern surprised us all as it flew past
Green Heron flying past. I love the shadow of its head on its wing
Green Heron taking off
This Roseate Spoonbill couple was nest building and enjoying each others company
The Roseate Spoonbill couple
Roseate Spoonbill flying towards me with a small addition to its nest
The Roast Spoonbill couple working together to place a stick in the perfect place
Still working on the stick placement
The Spoonbill couple are getting crossed up placing the stick
Now they finally found the perfect spot!
Roseate Spoonbill taking flight off a snag near the boardwalk
Orlando Wetlands is always a great place to visit. We’re just getting into the best time of year when the birds nest and have their babies. If you’ve never been to the park, go on a Friday-Sunday when you can take one of the free tours (donations accepted) to see all of the park as it is very large and can be too much for many people to walk all through. The boardwalk is open every day and is awesome. It gets you close to many nesting Herons, Egrets and Spoonbills. The afternoon light is the best but is a great spot any time you’re there.