I really enjoyed my photography on the week that Rich and I took off after Memorial Day. I went out every single day! On this particular morning, I stuck the bike in my car and headed up to Lake Apopka. I enjoyed the wide-open roads and absence of cars along with the birdlife that also seemed to enjoy the peace and quiet.

My first bird of the morning was a hungry Great Blue Heron. He had just caught a cat fish on the edge of the canal. Apparently his mother didn’t teach him to chew with his mouth closed!

Next a Black-necked Stilt flew overhead. I quickly stopped, focused, and got a full-frame image. I love bike birding!

From the top of a telephone pole, an Osprey called good morning. He also told me that the was busy eating his breakfast and that I shouldn’t expect him to fly any time soon.

They had just mowed the grass along the sides of the roads. Purple Gallinules were everywhere. Shorter grass makes it easier to see their big feet as they hunt for bugs.

I spotted a Green Heron perched on a snag in the marsh. You can see from his coloring how well he blends in. Just an extension of the tree branch, right? Look at all the dragonflies on the nearby branches!

I headed down to the lake shore, where I found a Red-winged Blackbird nest. I think it was empty though. Nearby a family of Red-winged Blackbirds kept very busy in the deep shadows of a large tree.

Then I looked up as an Osprey flew by. He was carrying a fish straight into the sun…so I got the shot, then tried to play with the contrast in post-processing.

It really was a pretty morning. I wished I’d gotten down to the pump house when the light was still soft. You can see how the bike trail hugs the lake shore.

A Great Egret flew over the lake. He’s lost the green lores of his breeding colors. Look at the beautiful detail in those long white feathers!

I headed back to my car, enjoying the exercise as I said goodbye to my birds. My last bird of the morning was this Blue Grosbeak, who perched high the trees near the entrance. He sang me a goodbye and made me promise to return soon!