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
A small flock of Cattle Egrets sporting their breeding colors zoomed by me.
Despite my thoughts this would be a good place for them to land they kept right on going.
April 10, 2022
My, what a long beak you have!
Moving along slowly, looking for lunch.
April 10, 2022
Holding onto the lily blossom with his left foot, this Purple Gallinule demonstrated how to eat while floating on vegetation.
These iridescent beauties are occasionally seen in South Carolina but I have only seen them in Florida’s freshwater wetlands.
Purple Gallinules tend to be shy, and this giant water vegetation provides them with great cover as well as food.
April 10, 2022
A pair of Black-necked Stilts swooped on by me as I stood on a dike at Orlando Wetlands.
Often described as “stately” due to their color scheme and long legs, they are also elegant flyers.
And fly they did, right on to the other side of this impoundment.
April 10, 2022
A Katydid that I did not see at the time
April 10, 2022
White Peacock Butterfly
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 10, 2022
A young Sandhill Crane was busy looking around in the grass as his parents were feeding in the marsh.
They weren’t far off, 20 or 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), and maybe paying more attention to him than it appeared.
As they went around the water’s edge he trailed along behind them, but I didn’t see him eat anything.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 10, 2022
