The Sun Came Out at Lake Morton! Lifer Louisiana Waterthrush

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My last visit to Lake Morton turned out to be incredibly productive. After my first walk around the lake in deep fog, the sun finally came out! So I set out on a second pass around the lake, this time enjoying lots of flight shots and my lifer Louisiana Waterthrush. :)

Remember the American White Pelicans from my last post? After photographing them up close, they flew right me from across the lake. It reminded me of my early days of photography at Circle B. :)

American White Pelicans
American White Pelicans

The ducks have mostly left Florida for the summer. However, the mixed crew of hybrid Mallards lives at Lake Morton year-round. They entertained me flying across the lake and showing off their beautiful colors.

Mallard in Flight
Mallard in Flight
Mallard
Mallard

As I wandered around the lake, I spotted a small bird hopping around at the edge of the lake. It was a little bigger than a warbler. Intrigued, I got closer, and spotted my lifer Louisiana Waterthrush! Waterthrushes migrate through Florida in the spring and fall. He bobbed his tail up and down continuously as he fished little bugs from the water’s edge.

Louisiana Waterthrush
Lifer Louisiana Waterthrush

The resident birds are showing off their breeding colors and thinking of the families they’ll be raising in the new few months. This White Ibis is sporting a bright red face and nose. You can tell she’s a girl because of the pouch under her chin. Her babies will be brown to provide camouflage at her nesting site.

White Ibis - Female in Breeding Plumage
White Ibis – Female in Breeding Plumage

I looked up just in time to snap a photo of the American Coot walking on water!

American Coot Walking on Water
American Coot Walking on Water

This Great Blue Heron wasn’t impressed by the coot’s super-powers.

Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron

As I left, I spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk sitting in a nest at the top of a Kapok tree. She looked bored. Pretty soon she’s be running herself ragged trying to feed her babies!

Red-shouldered Hawk Nest
Red-shouldered Hawk Nest

My best shots of the morning came towards the very end of my visit. You’ll have to wait for the next post to see them!

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!