Eastern Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak round out day at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons,

A day after an unusual disappointing trip to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Orlando Wetlands on Sunday proved why it’s one of the best birding destinations in Florida.

With the temperature in the 70s, I was able to hike five miles across the Wetlands and photograph lots and lots of birds, including familiar ones and some new faces too.

Among the new-to-me birds was an Eastern Kingbird and a female Blue Grosbeak. That bird was extra special because I was able to photograph a male Blue Grosbeak at the Wetlands back in the spring.

But there were so many birds to see on this particular day, including lots of little warblers darting about.

An Eastern Kingbird takes a break atop a trail sign at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
This female Blue Grosbeak was spotted at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023. The Grosbeaks typically are in the area for fall through spring.
This Red-shouldered Hawk at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023 seems to be in the fall spirit by blending in well with changing leaves.
A Red-shouldered Hawk feasts on a pig frog it grabbed from a pond for a little brunch at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
A Bald Eagle sits near an old Osprey nest at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
This Bald Eagle sure seems to be smiling for this photo, taken at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
A Palm Warbler takes a quick break from darting among branches at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
A Yellow-rumped Warbler pauses for a second on some debris next to a pond at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
With its bright yellow belly, this female Common Yellowthroat stands out in a bush at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
A little Common Yellowthroat Warbler jumps around in brush along a pond at the Orlando Wetlands in 2023.
This puffed up Anhinga takes a break overlooking a large pond at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
Things are pointing down for this Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
A little Green Heron balances on some reeds in a pond at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
A White Ibis decides to rest at the very top of a tall pine tree at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
A Sandhill Crane walks along a partially drained pond at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
This family of Sandhill Cranes march along together at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023. The youngest crane was born at the Wetlands back in March.
A male Belted Kingfisher rests near a pond, plotting his next fishing expedition at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
This male Belted Kingfisher takes off from a tree to start hunting at the Orlando Wetlands in October 2023.
All Birds Orlando Wetlands

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