My happy place
Another Day in the Orlando Wetlands
There are plenty of birding spots I’ve been meaning to explore, and once migration is in full swing I’ll definitely branch out. But for whatever reason, whenever I get a free morning, I feel pulled back to the Orlando Wetlands. Something about this place is just magical.
Even on a “slow” day, it always offers more than enough to take in. The light, the silhouettes, the birds—every visit has its own rhythm.
Starting with Wide Landscapes
I began the morning with my Sony 70-200mm lens, focusing on landscapes and the mood of the wetlands waking up. At sunrise, the soft pastels and dramatic skies set the stage. Birds perched in the distance created silhouettes that looked almost painterly against the clouds.
Switching to Close Encounters
As the light grew stronger, I swapped to the Sony 600mm for those more intimate moments. Even though activity was quieter than some mornings, the details I found made it all worthwhile:
A hawk perched on a weathered branch, tearing into its catch with the backlight rim glowing through its feathers.
A black-bellied whistling duck taking off in perfect timing against a stark blue sky.
A juvenile Little Blue Heron
Each moment felt like a little reward for slowing down and looking closely.
The Magic of a “Slow” Day
That’s what I love about this place: even when the action isn’t nonstop, the Orlando Wetlands has a way of surprising me. From silhouettes against the fiery horizon to quiet portraits of wading birds, it’s never wasted time.
It’s a reminder that bird photography isn’t only about the rarest lifer or the busiest migration morning—it’s about showing up, being present, and letting the landscape tell its story.
Closing Thoughts
So yes, I’ll make it out to more spots soon once migration kicks into high gear. But for now, I’m more than happy spending another day in the wetlands. These photos may not tell the story of a fast-paced morning, but they capture the quieter beauty that keeps me coming back.
And really—that’s the magic.
