Last weekend my dad suggested a walk to Circle B. I didn’t have my good camera with me, but it was fun to use my iPhone for landscapes. It was a cooler afternoon and the sun was starting to think about setting, so the light was gorgeous as we approached Lake Hancock.
Here’s a challenge – see if you can spot the two birds in this post!
The sky was painted in interesting clouds and the lake was a bright blue. Overhead we heard the roar of a seaplane as it practiced taking off and landing on the water. We were sad the hurricane damage from last year’s encounter with Milton, but they did a really good job of cleaning up the trail. It was also wider with dirt covering all the tree roots that used to trip me. Many pleasant people said hello and made sure to show us all the gators.
Lake Hancock Birdscape
Lake Hancock Cloudscape
The moon started to rise, and the reflection was pretty in the water. I love how natural this lake is, with its views of trees instead of houses. Now here’s where a fun gator silhouette might have worked in the image!
Lake Hancock Moonscape
The pathway back to the parking lot is pretty. Oaks form a canopy over the trail, shielding you from the bright sun. Overhead we heard the cries of eagles and hawks. But the mosquitoes had already started to come out so we hurried back to the car. I’m going to have to head back with a real camera!
It was a rainy, icky afternoon when I looked out and saw a rainbow at the bird feeder. Our first of fall Painted Bunting has arrived! He vied with the House Finches for a spot at the millet feeder, then proceeded to gorge himself on the seed. Migration sure makes you hungry!
First of Fall Painted Bunting! 2025
Some people have asked if I am still maintaining this site. Yes, I’ve been incredibly busy lately. But as the fall weather beckons me to go outside, I don’t think I will be able to resist the temptation to grab my camera. So stay tuned! and in the meantime, go peek at your feeders and see which customers are making their first appearances!
The new boardwalk at Orlando Wetlands provides amazing access to nesting Roseate Spoonbills. I made it out there last week to enjoy some time with one of my favorite birds.
This first nest was high in a palm tree. The mom was resting in the shade, and I didn’t realize she had babies until they popped up in a frenzy begging for food. Baby spoonbills eat regurgitated food straight from the parent’s bill. So there is often a clamoring of small spoons pointed at Mom’s face. Sometimes I think Mom is lucky that she doesn’t get her eye poked out.
Roseate Spoonbills Feeding
I had my 2x teleconverter on the Beast that afternoon. This nest was farther from the boardwalk and thus farther away from the paparazzi of photographers. I watched and laughed as the babies learned to flap their wings. Those flight feathers are coming in quickly!
Roseate Spoonbill Juvie
What happens when you put your 2x on your 600mm lens? The bird flies right in front of you, and you are too close to focus! That’s how I got this next shot. I liked the close up of the adult bird’s red eye.
Roseate Spoonbill Headshot
All phases of nesting were going on that afternoon. In the treetops above me, adult birds were foraging for nesting material. They would fly in, test branch after branch until they found a loose one, and then fly off to take it back to the nest.
Roseate Spoonbill
Once at the nest, the stick is proudly presented to the bird’s partner. Then the birds both hold it while they maneuver it into place. It takes a lot of effort and patience to build the perfect spoonbill nursery!
Roseate Spoonbills Building Nest
Once they pair up and start building their nest, the adult birds stick together pretty closely. I caught many of them napping together. I guess they were guarding the nest to make sure nobody came and stole their sticks! I watched this pair for a long time as they threw their bills in the air and performed other courtship behaviors. Then the male hopped on her back and…well, let’s just call it a piggy-back ride.
Roseate Spoonbills Mating
After several weeks of careful incubation, tiny spoons appear in the nests. This nest was over my head, and the babies didn’t pop up very often. But gosh they were cute when they did! My camera went click-click-click when this little guy showed himself and gave me a big yawn.
Roseate Spoonbill Nest
As the sun set, the golden light was gorgeous on the pink birds. Some of the adults flew to sentry point posts on top of palm trees trunks. It’s impressive how they can keep watch with their eyes closed (my cat has this super-power also).
Roseate Spoonbill
All in all it was a great afternoon. But wait, there’s more! As cute as the pinkness was, there was a nest of tiny Great Egrets that also distracted my camera. The babies were just a few days old. When Mom stood up, the chicks would pop up and fight with each other. They were vicious! It’s a good thing they are so cute.
