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.
Wood Duck
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.
Blue Gray Gnatcatcher
Gray Catbird
But the highlight of the morning was finding the Rufous Hummingbird that has been wintering in the Gardens. I normally arrive and leave early, and I suspect I’ve just been missing her. But this morning was warm, and I found her for the first time this year in the butterfly garden.
Rufous Hummingbird
Scott Simmons
Scott Simmons, based in Florida, is a lover of nature, landscape, and wildlife photography. Scott became interested in photography in 2001 when he was given his first SLR camera. When he acquired a telephoto lens, he became progressively more interested in birds and other wildlife. Scott enjoys learning about bird habitats and behavior, striving always to take images that are both beautiful and interpretive. Scott believes photography is a great vehicle to help others to appreciate the wonder for the stuff of earth.
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