It was another beautiful late summer morning at Lake Apopka. I biked up the Crazy U in search of warblers. Apparently the cardinals thought I brought my bike for their amusement! I chuckled when a male cardinal hopped onto my handlebars and stayed there for quite a while. Apparently it was Bring Your Own Perch day at the wildlife drive!

While the cardinal enjoyed hanging out on my bike, I turned my attention to the little birds hanging out in the trees. It’s been a good year for Prairie Warblers. Some are still showing off their bright black breeding plumage as they hunt for bugs for breakfast.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker chuckled at me as he flew in to the treetops. Or maybe he was laughing at the cardinal on his new perch. The woodpecker posed briefly in the soft morning light before disappearing deep into the trees.

A female Common Yellowthroat shyly poked her head out and said good morning. She’s pretty with that bright yellow stomach.

Eventually the cardinal relinquished control of my bike, and I headed down to the lake. On the way, I spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk eating his breakfast on the top of a pole. He didn’t offer me a taste, but I think snake was on the menu.

I got a little closer as he finished, and he gave me a great take-off shot as he headed off to find his next meal.

My last bird of the morning was a Great Blue Heron who flew across the path in the gorgeous light. That’s one advantage to being on a bike – it’s pretty quick to stop, grab your camera, and focus! He promised to pose again if I came back soon…I will have to take him up on that offer.