In Search of Swooning Swans at Lake Morton

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My dad and I headed to Lake Morton a few weekends ago in search of swooning swans.  A few years ago I had some incredible moments with baby swans (cygnets), and I’ve been wanting to get some swan courtship shots as well.  By the time we got to the lake, it was past 9am, and we didn’t see much courtship.  But it’s always fun to take a walk around Lake Morton!

Swans Not Really Swooning
Swans Not Really Swooning. This was the only pair we saw together!

It’s getting to be my favorite time of year – bird nesting season!  Birds are starting to sport their breeding plumage.  This Anhinga sat on a post and showed off his fancy colors.

Anhinga in Breeding Plumage
Anhinga in Breeding Plumage

They’ve introduced some more exotic wildlife to the Lake Morton Menagerie.  The latest additions are a pair of Coscoroba Swans.  Their bright orange bills are very striking.  My dad and I found the pair hanging out by the side of the lake.  As we stooped to take some photos, the birds swan out into the lake to pose for us.  Nice!

Coscoroba Swan
Coscoroba Swan

Flight shots were plentiful on this particular morning as the various ducks stretched their wings.  I won’t even try to identify the bird low – let’s just leave it as a “Morton Hybrid!” :)

Flying Morton Hybrid!
Flying Morton Hybrid!

Save the best for last…there were several turtle sightings that morning!  While most turtles dove into the water as soon as they saw me, this particular turtle felt the need to pose for a photo for Rich.  He sat tall and proud on his rock and let me get closer and closer.

Turtle for Rich!
Turtle for Rich!

We were very surprised to see no Limpkins at all on this particular visit.  A pair of otters entertained us for a while on the edge of the lake.  The swans are not as numerous as in years past, after Lakeland sold a bunch of birds last year.  I doubt I’ll get good cygnet opportunities this year.  :(

Want to learn more about nature photography at Lake Morton?

Check out my Lake Morton page with more information about the location, map, website, photography tips, etc. It is archived by date so you can see my images from previous visits. Maybe you'll be inspired for your own trip!

Planning a trip to Florida? Don't miss my Central Florida Bird Photography Locations reference guide!

3 thoughts on “In Search of Swooning Swans at Lake Morton

    1. Yeah, the otters were a fun surprise. They were playing in the swan pens. It’s weird that you’re not seeing Limpkins in other places either. We had a high count in the Christmas Bird Count.

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