Photographing Florida's Birds

This past winter I did what many birds do by migrating to Florida for sunny skies and the warm climate. While there I had many opportunities to see and photograph many varieties of birds. There were ducks, herons, egrets, osprey, ibis, warblers, roseate spoonbills, terns, white pelicans, sandhill cranes and more. My top areas for birds near my base were the Silver Springs State Park, Orlando Wetlands Park and Black Swamp Wildlife Drive at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Due to the pandemic, I did not get the opportunity to visit the Viera Wetlands which is reputed to be a great bird destination. There are many other great places to photograph birds in Florida and the Great Florida Birding Trail is a great resource. 

Silver Springs State Park

Wood Duck, Silver Springs State Park

Located just east of Ocala, natural springs feed the Silver River which is teaming with wildlife. Along with the manatees, alligators and even exotic monkeys, the bird life on this river is exceptional. All of my photos there were taken from a kayak and were photographed handheld. Some of my favorite bird images from there included a wood duck headed right towards me. Being in a kayak meant that I was near eye level with the birds and it showed with this photo.  On the same day I had a long session with a green heron as it went about fishing on the edge of the river.  I always look for a good background in my images. Something that will allow the subject to stand out. Finding a spot to anchor my kayak and a great background behind the heron was a little tricky, but eventually I found a satisfactory spot.

Green Heron, Silver Springs State Park

There were numerous Little Blue Herons and some even struck a nice pose such as this cooperative bird.                                                                                                                     

Little Blue Heron, Silver Springs State Park

While anhingas may lack the colorful feathers of the other birds, their black and white plumage is still quite striking, especially as they stretch to dry their wings . 

Anhinga, Silver Springs State Park

Orlando Wetlands Park

Great Blue Heron, Orlando Wetlands Park

This park which is well east of Orlando has large lagoon areas separated by dykes which surround the pools of water. This park is a magnet for all types of birds and the dykes make for easy access and use of a tripod. My favorite photo from there was of a Great Blue Heron gracefully gliding across the wetlands. This was photographed by panning along with the bird. I had also engaged the focus tracking on my camera to maintain focus.

Watching the habits of the birds helped to find photos that I would not have otherwise been able to capture. Action shots are always preferred and this glossy ibis which would hover above the water as it was fishing was one that caught my eye.

Glossy Ibis, Orlando Wetlands Park

Snowy Egret, Orlando Wetlands Park

It was the same with this snowy egret as it danced about while fishing or catching action when a heron captured a large frog.  

Heron and Frog, Orlando Wetlands Park

Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

One more great spot for photographing Florida's birds is the Black Point Wildlife Drive at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Here there are many chances to photograph while using your vehicle as a photo blind. I used this to my advantage when photographing this Tricolored heron.

Tricolored Heron, Merritt Island NWR

 

One of the most colorful and sought after birds is the Roseate spoonbill. Their colors against a blue sky are striking. Especially at first light, if you can be at the right place at the right time. 

Roseate Spoonbills, Merritt Island NWR

To say that I enjoyed my time in Florida spending time with the birds would be an understatement. It was a great winter and the photos I captured will always bring back those memories.