Lake Apopka, 7/15/2012

Fork-tailed Flycatcher

This afternoon I drove out to Lake Apopka to find a Fork-tailed Flycatcher that had been seen the day before. I drove to Magnolia Park and walked north along the Lake Apopka Trail up near the pumphouse (at the end of phase 1 of the trail). About a half mile south of the pumphouse, I came across the Fork-tailed Flycatcher. It's a beautiful bird, even though this particular specimen appears to have a worn or broken tail, making it look a fair amount like an Eastern Kingbird.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher
(note the worn/broken tail feathers.  In fact it looks shorter here than in the first photo)

I also saw no less than 6 Fulvous Whistling Ducks, which I was very surprised to see. I also found a Purple Gallinule.

Fulvous Whistling Ducks

Fulvous Whistling Ducks

Purple Gallinule

And a Great Blue Heron posed very nicely in calm pretty water.

Great Blue Heron

Rabbit