Sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time. Like a couple of weeks ago at Orlando Wetlands Park, when the rising sun glimmered through fog just as some Great Egrets started thinking about springtime. The scene in front of me was pure magic!
At first I saw this one Great Egret, posed in the golden light.
Great Egret in the Magic Sunrise
The water and the fog simply shimmered with sunlight. Then a second egret decided that I needed a flight shot in this beautiful setting. Such an obliging bird!
Great Egret Golden Flight
He flew to join the first bird, showing off a little on his landing. I think these birds already had courtship on their minds!
Great Egret Show-Off
So even though it was 40 degrees out (feels like 35, but who was counting?), I considered this a sign that springtime is just around the corner. Pretty soon I’ll be returning to this same spot to observe nest-building and cute tiny chicks. I can’t wait!
One cold, windy afternoon in late December, Rich offered that we take our afternoon walk at Oakland Nature Preserve. The birds must have found a good place to hunker down because there was not much activity. But we still enjoyed walking around the place where I discovered natured photography, and where Rich spent countless hours keeping me company at my very first bird blind. Towards the end of our walk, we did find a small flock of warblers that made my camera smile!
Palm Warbler
This little Palm Warbler was hopping around the rail at the dock. I was surprised to see hints of bright yellow and brown in his plumage. Hints of breeding plumage can only mean one thing – spring is not far away!
Tricolored Heron
This Tricolored Heron looked as cold as I felt as I stood in the lake breeze on the dock. When I first discovered nature photography, a flight shot like this would have been a major victory. These days with mirrorless cameras, these shots are much easier – even in ridiculously gray weather.
Common Gallinule
Rich was quick to point out the bird laughing at me. A pair of Common Gallinules were feeding at the edge of the lake. The fact that I spent several minutes photographing this very common bird tells you just how few birds there were that afternoon!
Pine Warbler
A flock of warblers came through as we walked back on the boardwalk. It was mostly Pine Warblers, with a few Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and a Blue-headed Vireo mixed in. I had fun photographing the little birds as they dove for bugs in the moss. Their bright yellow colors were a great contrast to the gray day!
Pine Warbler
I love the background colors on this last one. The yellow tones are perfect for a Florida winter.
We trekked back to the car, enjoying our walk through nature. Rich suggested that next time, if I wanted to see good birds, perhaps I should use reverse psychology and leave the camera at home!
Happy 2024! It’s a new year and a great day to get out and enjoy nature!
I set up the Beast in our backyard to enjoy shots of my favorite buntings, finches, hummingbirds (yes, plural!) and maybe, just maybe, the goldfinches that I’ve been hearing. Alas, the birds were not cooperative, and after freezing for an hour, I had about 20 images on my card. But one of them features the little female hummer who has been frequenting the feeders recently. Sssh! I don’t think the male has noticed her yet – we’ll let him continue thinking that he owns the yard! ;-)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
To start off 2024 with a grin, here’s the latest from my backyard birdcams. I’ve been moving them around to see who visits each feeder. The new cup feeder is a big hit with all the birds!
