Sparrows are Back at Lake Apopka

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An eBird sighting of a Lincoln’s Sparrow took my bike to the Crazy U. Spoiler alert – I didn’t relocate the sparrow. But it’s fun the search for a new bird causes you to look harder at all the other birds. The Savannah’s Sparrows are all back!

Savannah Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow

The Swamp Sparrows are back, too. I found several at the Lust Gate entrance and a few more at the Crazy U. This one was determined to stay in the shadows and play peek-a-boo with me. I guess he won when he disappeared into the vegetation.

Swamp Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow

As I searched for my target sparrow, I carefully examined each bird that I saw. This Common Yellowthroat hopped out into the open and encouraged me to take her picture, even though she’s not a sparrow.

Common Yellowthroat (Female)
Common Yellowthroat (Female)

After searching a while for the sparrow, I moved on and biked down to the lake shore. I came across a flock of warblers. I found a bunch of Palms, a Prairie, and I think I heard a Yellow-throated. Then I came across this Yellow-rumped Warbler, my first of the season.

Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler

As I headed back, I spotted the Gray-headed Swamphens on Lust Road. An adult and a juvenile were foraging for breakfast. The paused briefly out in the open before retreating into the vegetation. It was the first time I’d seen a juvenile swamphen. A fun end to to a great ride!

Gray-headed Swamphen
Gray-headed Swamphen

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!