It was a beautiful late-July morning at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. As the babies fledged from their nests, the bird activity was quickly waning, but there was still plenty to keep my camera shutter busy.

Several Green Herons were out fishing for their breakfasts. It’s fun to watch as they carefully stalk their prey. They move very slowly and make no unnecessary motions so that they can quickly make the move to surprise their prey.

The Green Herons aren’t the only stalkers at LAWD. It’s been a great year for Least Bitterns. This bittern showed off his incredible extending neck. I love how I caught his eye just as he entered the water.

A pair of Common Gallinules fought in the distance. Look closely at the bird on the left and you’ll see that he’s got a feather in his mouth. I’m guessing the bird on the right didn’t give permission to pluck that feather!

The highlight of the morning was the juvenile Barn Swallows. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen families congregating on the branch tops, with juveniles lined up waiting to be fed. I didn’t see many feedings on this particular morning, but I did enjoy the antics of the birds.

Apparently it’s exhausting to be a Barn Swallow parent. All these kids to feed!

The kids are pretty persistent, too. Any time an adult comes by, they go into a full “feed me! feed me!” dance.

Sometimes a parent can only take so much before deciding to fly away! :)