Some Firsts for Me: A Florida Bird Photography Adventure
Welcoming Fall and Feathered Friends
This summer and early fall have been full of travel, adventure, and creative energy. Between photography projects and road trips, life has been moving fast—but now, a new season is arriving.
Florida’s skies are filling with migrating birds, and I can already tell these next few months are going to be very bird-focused. Along with welcoming friends and family, I’m also welcoming some returning winged visitors who make this season so special.
Discovering the Florida Scrub Jay
One bird I’ve wanted to photograph for years is the Florida Scrub Jay—a beautiful, curious, and endangered species found only here in Florida. This past week, I decided it was finally time to fix that.
I headed off to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and not only did I photograph my first Florida Scrub Jay, but I also captured my first Northern Flicker and Cape May Warbler. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a new species through your lens for the first time—it’s part excitement, part calm, and all wonder.
Adding to the List at Apopka Wildlife Drive
A few days later, I made my way to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, one of my favorite Central Florida birding spots. It’s a place where every bend in the road offers a surprise.
That morning, I added two more firsts to my list: a White-eyed Vireo and a very elusive Brown Thrasher. The Thrasher kept me guessing, darting through the brush, but patience paid off.
Old Favorites, New Moments
Even with so many new birds to chase, I never pass up the opportunity to photograph the familiar ones. From herons and egrets to ospreys and red-shouldered hawks, every encounter feels different depending on the light, the weather, or even just my mood that day.
That’s the beauty of bird photography—it teaches patience, observation, and appreciation for the little things.
Looking Ahead
This morning, I’m heading out once again—camera in hand, coffee in the cup holder, and excitement in the air. There’s no telling what I might find out there, but that’s half the fun.
Each new bird is a reminder that discovery never really ends. Wish me luck—there’s still a whole world of wings out there waiting to be photographed.
