In flight the Black-bellied Whistling Duck shows off a snazzy wing pattern.
This one opted to leave the pack and head off on his own for a bit…
showing off that bright bill, which will look more pink in breeding season.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
Orlando Wetlands Park is 1650 acres of man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities.
The sun was down, I jumped out of the car one more time to watch the disappearing light.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 18, 2023
We arrived at Black Point Wildlife Drive about 45 minutes before sundown. The light was quite elegant on this feeding Reddish Egret.
The swirl in the water shows how quickly these wading birds change direction, darting back and forth.
And, how very little their prey is.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 16, 2023
Several groups of 10-20 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were scattered around the first pond at Orlando Wetlands. Most of them were resting or quietly feeding. Then there was this group.
They were creating quite a flap, one or two flying straight up a few feet then wham, dropping into the middle of the group.
It seems too early in the year to be a breeding/territory thing. And there appeared to be plenty of food to go around.
A couple of Coots were unperturbed by the action.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
A lone Black Skimmer was fishing for his dinner at the end of the day.
Here you can clearly see the lower jaw extends much further than the upper…
…making it easier to snag prey from the water.
This is my favorite from this set, even though he got so close I cut his wings off.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 18, 2023
Just before the sun went down, wispy clouds seemed to materialize from nothing.
After the sun was below the horizon, looking a bit further north across another pond:
A bit further along the drive a Great Blue Heron stood in what had become a pink glow.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 18, 2023
I heard him coming…Sandhill Cranes are really loud.
From Cornell’s All About Birds:
“a loud rolling, trumpeting sound whose unique tone is a product of anatomy: Sandhill Cranes have long tracheas (windpipes) that coil into the sternum and help the sound develop a lower pitch and harmonics that add richness.”
And he flew right on by.
I could hardly make a post of this last, far off photo, but I was pretty amazed to see a Crested Caracara fly by just a few minutes before the Crane.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
I thought I would be leaving Orlando Wetlands without seeing a Purple Gallinule, but finally spotted one out in the open, poking through the floating vegetation.
A half hour later another one, a bit closer, presented me with a reflection opportunity.
And then, wow–he was on the run showing off those massive feet and toes…
…and their ability to spring into the air.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
A Great Blue Heron starting to show some of the colored lures around his eye of breeding season was on a mission to gather sticks for his nest.
He went at a steady pace past some Coots.
Then he veered just a little before he turned away from me on his mission.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
A Roseate Spoonbill working his stretch routine
Stretch it on down and hold 5, 6, 7, 8
Then rest and survey the swamp.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
