Feeding Frenzy at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

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The summer rush of breeding activity has definitely wound down at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.  But there is still a fair amount of activity out there for the photographers who venture out in the heat!

When I first pulled up to Lust Road, the Blue Grosbeak was singing as usual.  Except he wasn’t on the power lines.  He was in a nearby tree instead.  I applauded him for his excellent choice of photogenic perch!

Blue Grosbeak Greeter on Lust Road
Blue Grosbeak Greeter on Lust Road

The activity at the pump house was exciting again.  Dozens of alligators feeding on fish.  This time, the pond was lined with white wading birds, all on the hunt for breakfast.

Watching and Waiting
Watching and Waiting

This Great Egret had just caught a fish.  He helped it dripping in his beak for a moment.  Then he tossed it gently, angled it face-first, and executed the final gulp.

Great Egret with Fish
Great Egret with Fish

Flight shot opportunities abounded that morning.  Egrets and herons flew over the pond at regular intervals as they searched for food.  Manual exposure was a must as they flew high and low, in and out of the trees.

Great Egret in Flight
Great Egret in Flight

This Osprey dove into the shadows and pulled out a giant fish.  I wish he’d flown it towards me instead of towards the lake!

Osprey Fish Catch
Osprey Fish Catch

As I watched the chaos, I wondered at the brave birds who were all pulling fish from the alligator-infested pond.  Then I tried to capture images to show that story.  Like this Snowy Egret, who pulled a fish out from right in front of the alligator’s nose!

Snowy Fisherman
Snowy Fisherman

This last Osprey image also shows the alligator as the bird flies off with his huge breakfast.  The alligators didn’t show much interest in the birds.  I guess there were enough fish to go around.

Osprey with Fish and Alligator
Osprey with Fish and Alligator

I spent most of that morning at the pump house.  By the time I dragged myself away, the light was harsh and the activity was waning on the rest of the drive.  But this little Red-winged Blackbird hopped up on a bush to say, “Goodbye!  See you next time!”

Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird

Want to learn more about nature photography at Lake Apopka?

Check out my Lake Apopka 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!

One thought on “Feeding Frenzy at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

  1. I am SO jealous you found Mister Grosbeak perching on something other than that utility line! Any day along the wildlife drive seems to offer something interesting. Nice capture of the Snowy headed toward the gator.
    Now it’s time to go looking for migrants already!

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