Kevin M. and I met at Orlando Wetlands Park Yesterday before sunrise. It was gloomy and raining, but not for long. I liked the way the low sunlight lit up this scene as the clouds were clearing.
Marsh Morning II – This is a two frame, Olympus Hi Res, panorama using the technique described in this post: https://edrosack.com/2011/01/21/two-image-pano-hdr-focus-stacking/
We had a hard time deciding where to go – storm damage and other circumstances are limiting our choices. Many places that we like in Central Florida are closed (Viera Wetlands, Lake Apopka, Mead Gardens, many parts of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Jetty Park, etc.). We ended up deciding between Circle B Bar in Lakeland and Orlando Wetlands (both are open). I hadn’t been to either for a while and Orlando Wetlands is closer, so…
With the sun up and the clouds gone, we walked for a while before it got too hot. This colorful bird caught my eye. I didn’t realize it was a new life bird until I got home.
Common Yellowthroat – A life bird!
There were lots of these flowers blooming. I see them all the time although I’d never looked them up. They’re native to Florida and the Americas.
Pickerelweed flowers
Some other things we saw: a Raccoon, a Peregrine Falcon, Red Shoulder Hawks, Black Belllied Whistling Ducks, a Juvenile Blue Heron and other wading birds, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a Painted Bunting, Red Eyed and White Eyed Vireos, House and Carolina wrens, Palm Warblers, and a Chicken (the Ranger said its name is Chuck).
It was very nice to visit a place with no sign of the recent hurricanes. Lots of other folks thought so too and were out there enjoying the day. It’s a large place – I’ve ridden around it on my bike, but it’s too far for me to walk the whole thing. They have a guided tram ride at 9am (confirm on their website) and it’s worth trying if you’re there at the right time and want to see more of the place with expert commentary. Remember too that the park is open year round now – it no longer closes during the winter. You can see some other Orlando Wetlands Park photos in this Flickr Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/albums/72157639616792296, and you can read other posts mentioning the park at this link.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Now – go make some photos!
©2017, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved
love your blog. I run the field trips/photo shoots for a small nature photo group of mainly active seniors based in North Brevard and your blog is a great resource for me. I use it to determine what subjects are available where at the moment, to research new places you have been, and I forward any posting containing photo tips and techniques to all the club members. Thank you for providing such an interesting useful blog, it is much appreciated.
What a nice comment, Nancy! I’m very glad you’re finding the info useful. That’s one of the main reasons I write it.
What do you mean by ‘new life’ bird? a bird new to you or a bird new to Florida since the hurricane? or something else?
Hi Vicki. Sorry I wasn’t clear.
It was a new life bird for me. They’re found in Florida, I’d just never seen one.
Hi Ed,
Great photography, and i see you had a wonderful time. What is prettier than a sunrise.
Thanks, Portia – we did have a good time. The sunrise itself wasn’t that great (too gloomy) but the light a little later was wonderful. It pays to stick around a little bit!
Nice saturated light Ed. I am waiting for dry cool weather to go searching for wildlife. The heat, bugs, and humidity are still lingering. I had no idea the wetlands park was such a big area.
Thank you Ed. Cooler weather will be nice. I hope it gets here soon!