Rich Found a Turtle at Orlando Wetlands

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Rich accompanied me to Orlando Wetlands one afternoon over his spring break. We walked a lot and then enjoyed the golden hour on the boardwalk. But Rich’s favorite image of the day wasn’t pink. It wasn’t even a bird.

Yep, we saw a turtle! I am under strict orders to feature this image on the blog, even though it’s kind of hard to see the turtle. According to my turtle fanatic husband, this is the best image I’ve made in years.

Turtle
Turtle

It was fun to share the wetlands with Rich. He got to see the coots walking on water, the Roseate Spoonbills flying around, and all the begging babies near the boardwalk. Activity was a bit down, but the wind direction wasn’t ideal for flight photography. Still, we did pretty well.

Anhinga Headshot (Breeding Plumage)
Anhinga Headshot (Breeding Plumage)

This Snowy Egret made a pretty picture flying toward the boardwalk. It made me realize that I haven’t seen many Snowies in breeding plumage at the wetlands this year. All the other wading birds have shown off their fancy colors!

Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret

I love trying to catch the Little Blue Herons as they dart in and out of the nesting trees. I caught a fun pose with this next one.

Little Blue Heron
Little Blue Heron

The Roseate Spoonbills were still busy bringing in nesting material. I saw some good sticks coming across the marsh, but not of them were going to win the Big Stick Competition.

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill

As the sun started to set, the birds got more active. Tricolored Herons emerged from the nesting area and flew towards the boardwalk. You don’t realize how many birds are sitting on their nests until they all emerge together! At times I thought an air traffic controller might be useful. Maybe that’s what the vultures are for.

Tricolored Heron
Tricolored Heron

Everybody’s favorite Great Egret nest became very active with the last rays of the sun. Both chicks woke up and started to dance for food. Mom regurgitated their supper and fed it straight into their mouths. Baby #1 watched carefully as Baby #2 swallowed his meal.

Great Egret Feeding Chicks
Great Egret Feeding Chicks

Sunset always comes too quickly. I put on my landscape lens and played hide-and-seek with the sun as we walked back to the car. I asked Rich if he now understands my addition to Orlando Wetlands. I think he does!

Sunset at Orlando Wetlands
Sunset at Orlando Wetlands

Want to learn more about nature photography at Orlando Wetlands?

Check out my Orlando Wetlands 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!

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