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
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
A pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flying by in the first morning light.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 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
Or…
a one
and a two
and a three
All done.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Two Common Gallinules were making a splash.
A little dispute ensued…
A point was made…
Face off!
Ok, it’s all over, nothing more to see…
Or not!
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were hanging out on a series of snags in the first morning light.
Everyone had their own spot.
And they weren’t alone.
This snag stands in one of the wetland cells created as part of the city’s water reclamation process.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
The Sandhill Crane family was on a walk when I passed by their marsh area.
The youngster, known as a colt because of their long legs, was curious about his surroundings but didn’t stray far from his parents. I didn’t see any sign that junior had started to fly, which happens around two months of age.
Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, poking around in the swamp and grasses for food.
The parents seemed to be more attentive than when I saw them two days before this.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
This Limpkin was the first bird of the morning at Orlando Wetlands.
He had places to go.
April 12, 2022
There is no etiquette amongst the wading birds.
Birds just drop in on each other, no announcement necessary.
You were busy fishing, I’ll share your spot.
Maybe just hop a bit further on.
I don’t know if they actually touched, but it sure was close.
The Reddish Egret never kept to his path and the Ibis did keep moving. Once the Ibis touched down he didn’t look as big as with his wings out.
According to Cornell’s All About Birds, the Glossy Ibis at 19-26 inches(48-66 cm) in length is slightly smaller than the Reddish Egret at 28-31 inches (70-80 cm).
Black Point Wildlife Drive
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
April 12, 2022
