I’ve visited and written about Orlando Wetlands several times this year. Now I’d like to follow-up and show you some of the things that haven’t been in the blog yet. Sorry for including so many more photos than usual – I need to catch up!
A group of Vultures resting in a tree or on the ground is called a ‘committee’. I’ve seen single Vultures pose with their wings spread before, but this was the first time I’ve seen so many, all doing the same thing, on top of identical palm trunks. It really caught my eye! It was almost like the ‘committee’ was taking a vote! If you search for “horaltic pose” you’ll find some info about this. They often do it in the early morning to warm up.
An unusual committee of vulturesWildflowers and butterflies (and dragonflies too) have been plentiful.
Blue Iris Bloom
White Peacock ButterflyYou may spot a snake catching some rays among the Lilly pads.
Water Snake
But the snakes have to be careful or a Great Blue Heron might spot them too.
Formidable HunterI’m not sure what the plants around this frog are, but they add some nice color and texture to the photo. I’m also not sure how these frogs survive in a lake with such a large population of Alligators.
Pig Frog Turtles are plentiful too.
Mossy back turtle. Florida Cooter(?)This Caracara was strolling along the path leading to the boardwalk. I followed at a distance until it turned and I could get an image of it in profile.
Out for a strollRed-winged Blackbirds are courting and staking out their territories.
Singing Red-winged BlackbirdI heard this Pileated Woodpecker knocking from at least a quarter mile away. It kept on as I walked and the sound led me right to it.
Follow the knock
The header image is of the same bird flying toward a new place to knock. There’s a larger version here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/52883882765/in/dateposted-public/
I didn’t hear this next one knocking, but its red highlights stood out and made it easy to find on this palm tree.
Red-bellied WoodpeckerPosing ducks are hard to resist.
Black Bellied Whistling Ducks on the railingAnd here’s one more Spoonbill photo. Fledglings were practicing their flying skills and learning how to get around and feed themselves. Landing on a railing is tricky!
Young Spoonbills, exploring the worldMigrant birds were also passing through Orlando Wetlands this spring. I found a Painted Bunting, a Cape May Warbler, and a European Starling – although my photos of them aren’t very good. And there’s a story over at https://birdersjourney.com/2023/04/30/life-bird-what-a-delight/ about spotting a Blue Grosbeak! So it’s been a glorious place to wander around with a camera this year. I think I’ll keep checking on it every once in a while.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Stay positive, be kind, take care of yourselves and each other. And if you can, make some photos!
©2023, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved
Dear Ed, Those are fantastic images of your photo ops at the wetlands!
I love that image of all the “committee”. Wish I lived closer to the wetlands.
It is a wonderful place …. my favorite. Your photos are so clear and sharp,
I was wondering what gear you used. Amazing! Thanks for sharing. Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks! Actually, I made the “committee” photo with my iPhone. If you click on an image in a post, it will open on Flickr, where you can see info included camera, lens, and basic settings. For most of them you can also click on the map to see where they were made and the ‘exif’ link to see even more detail.
Careful processing also makes a difference.
Hope that helps!
Ed
Thank you, Ed. Fantastic photographs
Thank you Kathryn – I much appreciate your kind words!
Great post Ed! Especially the gang posed vultures!
Hope all is well with the Rosacks.
Hey Ferd – Thanks! It’s great to hear from you.
We’re doing fine, I hope you are too.
Ed
I love the backgrounds on the frog and turtle! It sure makes a beautiful photo to have natural settings. And young Spoonbills? I’m swooning! heehee! Enjoy your week!
Thank you Diane! I’ve really enjoyed visiting Orlando Wetlands this year.
Hope you have a wonderful week too!
Be careful, Ed. With that boardwalk and so many subjects from which to choose, there is a real danger of “OWPA” setting in. I know of what I speak as I currently suffer from the affliction.
(“Orlando Wetlands Park Addiction”)
Stunning photographs! The “committee” is certainly a prize-winner for impact. I love each image. Thank you for feeding my addiction!
All is good on this side of the peninsula. Not enough photo days – working on that.
Wally, I fear your warning has come too late! I will now have to manage my on-going OWPA. There are worse things to be afflicted with.
Thanks you for your kind words – I appreciate all your visits and comments!
We’re doing well here too. I’ve enjoyed my photo days this spring, but there are other things to balance them with.
Love that vulture shot Ed! Never seen anything like that.
I like that one too Jeff – It’s unique in my experience!