On my last trip to Orlando Wetlands, I had a blog post full of pictures within 20 minutes of arriving. You know it’s going to be a good morning when it starts out that way! But there were plenty of other good birds waiting for me that morning. Let’s go say hi to them.

When I first arrived, I was hearing a very loud call from the nearby bushes. Sometimes the smallest birds make the loudest noises. This time it was a pair of Carolina Wrens. They were flitting back and forth, as if showing off for each other. Yep, spring is definitely on the way.

The sun’s rays were just reaching this Great Blue Heron when I saw him on the side of the boardwalk. He’s looking very spiffy in his breeding plumage. I wonder if he belongs to the nest I found later that day. He looks like he needs a few babies to keep him busy, don’t you think?

I was hoping for some Roseate Spoonbill flight shots, and I was not disappointed. This spoonie waited for the morning sun to come out, then flew across the wetlands, showing off his breeding colors. Last year was so much fun with the nesting spoonbills. I hope they decide to stick around this year too.

I spotted a Pileated Woodpecker in the distance. I had to shoot through nearby tree branches, but you still see the shimmer of his red feathers. I would love to find his nest and watch his little ones grow up!

You hear the rattling call of the Belted Kingfisher long before you see this bird. He zips through the air and challenges photographers to get his picture. Sometimes I succeed! :)

This Sandhill Crane was sleeping on her nest. Rest, little mama. Pretty soon you will have your hands full with two tiny babies. And photographers. Lots and lots of photographers. I’m sorry, Mama, but I’m not going to visit you this year. You deserve a place to raise your babies without worrying about the paparrazi.

As I left the wetlands, another pair of spoonies flew over. One waved goodbye in a unique way…I guess that’s his method of telling me to come back soon!