I can’t help it. I am addicted to great light, cute birds, and fun photography opportunities. Luckily for me, I can find them all at Lake Morton! I had another fun visit on April Fool’s Day. I was on Cygnet Watch, and I didn’t see any, but I had plenty of other birds to keep me busy.

This Tricolored Heron was fishing along the lake’s edge. He would dart erratically, scoop a bug from the water, and then toss his head back to eat it. Here I caught the toss moment where the bug is about to enter the bird’s beak.

Nesting is on everybirdy’s mind. These ducks are dreaming of adding to the menagerie of mixed feathers that live at the lake.

After they finished, the male swam off and the female gave a good long wing-flap!

I found a couple of Common Gallinule nests buried in the lily pads, and a few small client babies have hatched already. Will I ever get tired of photographing one of Central Florida’s most common birds? Probably not. :)

The Wood Ducks were active on the lake again. The last few visits, the males and females have definitely been paired up. On this visit, I saw very few females, so I’m guessing they are busy on their nests. The males were cavorting in the water.

More fun reflections in the water…this duck chose a picturesque spot to call to his friends! Or maybe he’s calling to his wife? “Sorry you’re stuck incubating the eggs, honey. The water is really nice and cool out here, and there’s a great breeze. Such a nice morning when you’re not stuck in a nest hole!”

I found a couple of turtles for Rich. They stuck their heads up briefly and said hello. Rich says he wants me to come home with nothing but turtle pictures! :)

A mallard duck was out for a walk with her small duckling. He posed very cutely in the grass. Another photographer was feeding him bread, which was cute but very bad for him. After watching him almost choke on a large piece, I had to move on.

I loved the colors on this White Ibis, and how his white feathers contrasted with the dark green reflections in the lake behind him.

By 10am the light was very harsh, and I headed home. Cygnet Watch continues, and Wood Duckling Watch will start soon, so you’ll definitely hear more from Lake Morton!