outdoor photography

Gull-billed Terns I decided to wander around Orlando Wetlands Park this morning and found a wonderful surprise. Two Gull-billed Terns were parked together right next to the main trail. I've never been happy with my photos of this species before, and I think today's photographs were my favorite. Gull-billed Tern Gull-billed Tern Gull-billed Tern Gull-billed Tern Ducks are increasing in numbers with every visit. This morning there were bunches of both Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, lots of Northern Pintail, one Northern Shoveler, one Wigeon, a Gadwall, many Ring-necked Ducks, and a few Lesser Scaup, not to mention Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks everywhere.

Least Bittern I arrived at Orlando Wetlands Park early this morning hoping to find a Gull-billed Tern that was reported here yesterday.  As I approached the spot where it has been seen recentlyI began to get disheartened.  I could see that there were no terns flying, and I was becoming convinced that I would miss the bird for a second straight time.  But the bitterns seem to have taken pity on me.  A Least Bittern came out to hunt for fish, as if to say, "I know you won't get what you're looking for, but at least you'll have some fun pictures of me." Then an American Bittern also decided to make itself known.  It was like I could see what it was thinking.  "If I stand really still and point my bill up, you won't notice me, I know it." Least Bittern American Bittern But no terns.  I had given up hope and, hanging my head in shame and misery, began walking back to my car.  On the way I happened to look to my right and suddenly there we...