I’ve been chasing sightings of Yellow-headed Blackbirds in Florida for years. I’ve gone to Palm Beach County, where they are regular in the winter time, I’ve gone up to Alachua County, where they’ve been seen the day before and the day after I was there. I’ve chased them around Lake Apopka, where they’ve always eluded […]
Author: 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.
Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, 12/23/2016
This morning I drove to the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area. The parking area for it is right across the street from Orlando Wetlands Park. If there’s no hunt planned for the day, you can get there as early as you like and walk to the St. John’s River. The trail takes you to the St. […]
Polk County Kingbird Roost, 11/12/2016
Yesterday afternoon I drove out to Polk County to a kingbird roost about 1.5 hours from my house. Both Western Kingbirds and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers have been regularly reported there over the last few weeks. I arrived around 4:30 and within about 10 minutes or so, the Western Kingbirds started flying in. I counted about 8 […]
Lark Sparrow at Lake Apopka, 11/5/2016
On Saturday I drove out to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive to see a Lark Sparrow that had been found there the day before. It was seen near the gate area, so I didn’t do the whole drive. I just walked up and down Lust Rd until I finally saw the Lark Sparrow. While waiting […]
Anhinga with Fish
Back in August I visited Lake Apopka and found an Anhinga right after it speared a fish, giving me lots of opportunities for photos. This one is my favorites because the fish looks completely surprised to be having such a bad day.
Mead Gardens, 9/19/2016
Last week I drove out to Mead Gardens, hoping to see a Wilson’s Warbler that had been photographed there the day before. Unfortunately, it either moved on or hid from me the whole time I was there, but that’s to be expected. Thankfully, a few days later another Wilson’s Warbler showed up at Central Winds […]
Virginia Opossum with Young
Yesterday morning I drove out to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. It’s one of my favorite places for birding, and I was hoping to photograph a Yellow-breasted Chat that had been located there the day before. I heard two calling and singing in different places, but neither was interested in coming into view so I […]
Bronzed Cowbird at Newton Park, 3/17/2016
On March 16, three Bronzed Cowbirds were reported at Newton Park by Lake Apopka in Orange County. I drove out there early the next morning to see if I could find them. They were still there and very cooperative. There are two bridges right near the parking area, and the birds seemed to like the […]