![Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tGhpM0fT0SCuosyDwXHHdvxBSPt88tSKcajMsx-TBtNrIT9PLL6_-7cZqjvYp5L23pc8ECYOKA8IMyFIq8kAVeIc9sIEdMFPOjnFoguBqniwpQdc2xaOhZCQ7uckwYhTn7wfRA18t8GLViOW9i1abkP9mEDPc=s0-d) |
Wood Duck |
There was a sure sign that Spring is returning to Central Florida this morning at Mead Gardens--the lovely sound of Northern Parula singing in the Live Oak trees. It's a very welcome sound, and I found about 5 this morning, though none posed for photographs. A pair of Wood Ducks, however, were just begging to get their pictures taken. They were sitting on a tree branch which hangs over the water (one of their favorite places to perch), and I couldn't help but fire off a ton of shots of one of my favorite ducks.
![Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tYtulo71C1jMj4IJYnzpEC_L6kvxOKVz1ANwnlg9PENSK_QrQvbnTpm_k6kdp8amJDPkVUtHyctUUBxJjvqV7qkNRPnt_dw9eFCQbA9UGx5OGy9rExj0FqZLMSVM7cxwXYQfPavHPYxXamOzRfAsWEtPxWge_7=s0-d) |
Wood Duck |
![Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uJ4ODuSnwgsaoTc-4pcq30cfPJsPAj7X_yIM216hd_ihuez2Aayth01BTq0VC4GxlrSkdegA4r5jAbKWgmcU6JP824XKbOKqi-77kToTBNMBc8NweHT4ezsjQO6xcyjrT1adz_0BKlQYKFKbyJKANQBKMSTKd4=s0-d) |
Wood Duck |
The Northern Parula were accompanied by Blue-gray Gnatcatchers (they sure know how to strike a pose!), Ruby-crowned Kinglets, American Goldfinch, Palm Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and a nice Black-and-white Warbler. Gray Catbirds and Carolina Wrens also frequently made their presence known. I also found about three Hermit Thrushes, which is always a treat.
![Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tTZL6IMXzKPxl2bcT477dOsCwxbRLAVJe9nZpUerJx3pnegUvEt1NsXj64zVGxmqrbR6RZ5gDCQi9Tz816vgniU3fU3k7Dbr--wl5rOVv-KKZVx5USorztHHfHUozH2NpXbf82SxgxRPTgKNhygV-VN8nf-aI=s0-d) |
Blue Gray Gnatcatcher |
![Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t4IwBUSiXZhD-R94tqlPbLCjqaSqhuOq0karFyhIA34AIgxDSK1FNZNvWkeWa7x2-M4nXqBo5-mNxU_xOv-PUrU7KaH-lijxAK_LQe4oh-WAvkAvC5rHqHWbf3cvVJh1lSa2e35SCkhwtknzWapbqCUAuiWJT9=s0-d) |
Gray Catbird |
But the highlight of the morning was finding two hummingbirds: a Ruby-throated and the Rufous Hummingbird that has been wintering in the Gardens. I normally arrive and leave early, and I suspect I've just been missing them. But this morning was warm, and I found them for the first time this year in the butterfly garden.
![Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u6e3hAsKuPyeBC5xrW3S4MFoA5JaaZFIuDJ0YhysyZgFzRf37zr8Hto74miSPpchjB6hFVlT53m7ANHcupcEt7d4KjryAJXZ-H5Bi9S9Q3UvR9_JJkJtP0eBNoIqimZjl9sV8qx3u1EaJ669m9IbZ7qqcSvGUZ=s0-d) |
Rufous Hummingbird |
Your photos are striking. I am constantly amazed at the beauty you capture through the lens.
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