Juvenile Barn Swallows at LAWD

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It was a beautiful late-July morning at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. As the babies fledged from their nests, the bird activity was quickly waning, but there was still plenty to keep my camera shutter busy.

Several Green Herons were out fishing for their breakfasts. It’s fun to watch as they carefully stalk their prey. They move very slowly and make no unnecessary motions so that they can quickly make the move to surprise their prey.

Green Heron
Green Heron

The Green Herons aren’t the only stalkers at LAWD. It’s been a great year for Least Bitterns. This bittern showed off his incredible extending neck. I love how I caught his eye just as he entered the water.

Least Bittern
Least Bittern

A pair of Common Gallinules fought in the distance. Look closely at the bird on the left and you’ll see that he’s got a feather in his mouth. I’m guessing the bird on the right didn’t give permission to pluck that feather!

Common Gallinule Chase
Common Gallinule Chase

The highlight of the morning was the juvenile Barn Swallows. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen families congregating on the branch tops, with juveniles lined up waiting to be fed. I didn’t see many feedings on this particular morning, but I did enjoy the antics of the birds.

Apparently it’s exhausting to be a Barn Swallow parent. All these kids to feed!

Barn Swallow
Barn Swallow

The kids are pretty persistent, too. Any time an adult comes by, they go into a full “feed me! feed me!” dance.

Barn Swallow
Barn Swallow

Sometimes a parent can only take so much before deciding to fly away! :)

Barn Swallow
Barn Swallow

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!

2 thoughts on “Juvenile Barn Swallows at LAWD

  1. Middle of the summer in hot, humid Florida and yet we can still find amazing potential for photographing nature! The only thing that could be better is the opportunity to view the results possible when an artist shows us how to do it properly.

    Thank you for continuing to share your efforts with us all, Jess!

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