There were a fair number of dragonflies about when we went to Orlando Wetlands in April, but no closeups as they were over the water or in alligator occupied grasses.
A good supply of gnats over the Coots’ heads kept a few dragonflies busy.
A wider view of the Coots, with palm tree reflections in the pond.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
This scene greeted me when I arrived at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area last week.
It was hard to know where to look first.
The Roseate Spoonbills raising their beaks like this is often a precursor to flight, like a secret signal.
Sure enough, the crowd thinned.
These few stayed a bit longer, performing various stretches then the one on the left gave the signal.
It was the shape of the tree that caught my eye, from a few posts ago. Turns out, working through my images from that day I had some other shots.
Here’s a wider view.
There were several Osprey flying around.
This one was watching the water but I never saw him dive.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
The Red-shouldered Hawk that was sharing a snag with the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks blended right into the branch when he turned away from me.
The hawk opted to move on.
He didn’t go far, maybe just needed his own space.
These snags stand in one of the wetland cells created as part of the city’s water reclamation process.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Coming through!
Impressive flying by the Skimmers
While the Spoonbills were doing their own thing
May 9, 2022
Limpkin are known for eating the freshwater apple snail, Ampullariidae. But it turns out they eat other mollusks using their specialized beak.
This water outflow is near the maintenance facility at Orlando Wetlands, and provided a buffet of choices for this diligent Limpkin.
The green kerchief on his head is a leaf that stuck when he plunged his head into the water.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 29, 2022
A pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flying by in the first morning light.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 29, 2022
Sometimes it seems like birds are showing off.
I was certainly impressed with this Snowy Egret’s flight skills.
He skimmed the pond in front of me with his toes in and out of the water.
I thought he was going to land, but he opted to pass on by.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
