This morning I birded West Pasco County with my new friend David Gagne. We had a fantastic time. My biggest hope was to see a Seaside Sparrow, and we found at least one at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. We heard several Clapper Rails, a Virginia Rail and a Sora. We then went to the […]
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.
Whooper Swan
Lake Eola also has several Whooper Swans. These swans are native to Europe, but here they are in Orlando, FL. They resemble Trumpeter and Tundra Swans to me, but with much more yellow on the bill. These birds can way over 25 pounds, making them one of the world’s heaviest flying birds.
Black-necked Swan
Lake Eola in Orlando contains several exotic species of waterfowl, but I’d never gone there to see them . I had to drive near there today, and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I thought I’d see what I could find. I was surprised to find a Black-necked Swan, a swan that is native to […]
Great Horned Owl
I think it’s the eyes–giant circular eyes–that get me about this bird. They are simply amazing birds to see, and I’m always amazed. Seen up close, they are pretty large. The owl in the above photo flew when I was quite near it (I hadn’t seen it until it flew), and then landed in a […]
La Chua Trail, Paines Prairie, 3/1/2013
I was traveling up to Alabama this morning, and so I left early to see what I could find at Payne’s Prairie. I walked the La Chua Trail; it was somewhat breezy out, so I suspect some sparrows were hiding, but I did get to find a Field Sparrow (my first in Florida), several White-crowned […]
American Goldfinch
This morning I dropped by an open field near Jay Blanchard Park. The field used to be a horse farm, though the property is owned by the church I attend. The horse farm is gone, but the fields are still there, and I thought I’d see what may be there. I was only there for […]
Long-billed Curlew with Crabs
Long-billed Curlews are crazy awesome birds. It’s pretty amazing to see them at work. They can get those bills down pretty far into the sand in search of crabs and other food. I found this one at Fort De Soto yesterday. It was actively probing the sand, and I saw it catch at least two […]
Overlook Park, 2/21/2013
Yesterday morning I drove up to Overlook Park. It’s about 15 minutes from my house, and I check it out regularly to see what ducks may be out on Lake Jesup. It’s a very small park, so I never expect to find much, but yesterday morning was very enjoyable. A Great Blue Heron was begging […]