Just to get out

A Morning at the Orlando Wetlands

Sometimes the best mornings are the ones where I slow down, grab my camera, and head out to the Orlando Wetlands. This visit fell just before migration season, which means fewer birds in the skies and on the water. But even on a quieter day, the wetlands always have something to offer.

Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks and Egrets

The first birds I spotted were a few black-bellied whistling ducks—always a favorite with their bright bills and social personalities. A great egret glided by soon after, its white plumage catching the morning light. These may be familiar species, but photographing them never gets old. The wetlands give them such a perfect stage.

A Flash of Purple

One of the more colorful surprises of the morning was a purple gallinule. Its iridescent blues and greens stood out beautifully against the reeds, reminding me why I always keep my lens ready, even when I don’t expect much action.

Red-Shouldered Hawks

Raptors are always a thrill, and this time I had the chance to capture a red-shouldered hawk perched on its own—then another moment of two interacting. These are the frames I love most: the ones that tell a small story of life out here in the wetlands.

A Lifer: The Barn Swallow

The highlight of the morning came from the smallest bird of the day—a barn swallow. It may not sound as dramatic as a hawk or egret, but for me, it was a milestone: the first time I’ve ever photographed one. A true lifer. Catching that swallow in flight felt like a reward for being patient, a reminder that new encounters can happen on even the slowest days.

Why I Love the Wetlands

Every trip to the Orlando Wetlands is different. Some days bring flocks of birds in motion, others—like this one—offer quieter scenes, with small surprises waiting if you pay attention. That’s what keeps me coming back: the unknown, the possibility that the next lifer is just around the corner.