catandturtle

You never know what you’ll find when you visit the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. On my last visit, the stars of the show were the Peregine Falcon, the Indigo Bunting, and the Vermilion Flycatcher. It’s like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get! :)

I looked for the Ash-throated Flycatcher at the Lust Gate entrance, but he didn’t feel like posing for my camera. I did hear the call of a bunting, then spotted a male Indigo Bunting in his winter plumage.

Flocks of Fulvous Whistling-ducks flew overhead, calling as they went by. Their brown feathers gleamed in the early morning light.

A juvenile Common Yellowthroat hopped around across the channel, then flew closer to land in a bush right in front of me. She posed briefly with a nice bug. Then she devoured her breakfast.

As I proceeded down Lust Road, I spotted a bunch of photographers with their lenses pointed out into the marsh. Yep, it was a Peregrine Falcon. I stood watching him as he hung out on a tree branch. He must have already eaten his breakfast, because he wasn’t interested in hunting.

A little bored with watching the falcon preen, I turned my camera to the action shots nearby. A small group of American Coots were carrying on. They swam low on the water and chased each other, then ran across the water.

At the Crazy U, the Yellow Warbler was still hanging out in his favorite trees.

The Belted Kingfishers called regularly as they flew out looking for breakfast. One landed on a branch not far from my window. She was a good show-off!

A Vermilion Flycatcher has been delighting birders and photographers for the past couple of weeks. I missed her on my last visit, but she didn’t let me down on this one. :)

As I stood waiting for the flycatcher, I spotted a Prairie Warbler hopping around in a low tree. He was starting to get his breeding colors. It’s a sign that despite the cool weather, spring is on the way!