Kingfishers and Phoebes and Terns, oh my!

Roger Simmons,

Is it any wonder why this is one of my favorite times of the year for photographing birds?

A recent trip to Orlando Wetlands showed the variety of feathered folks who are back in the area for winter. The early arrivals, like the Savannah Sparrows and Eastern Phoebes, are being joined by some new birds, including Caspian Terns.

Add in some of the regular residents, like Belted Kingfishers, Gallinules and Palm Warblers, and it’s a winter wonderland for birding.

A female Belted Kingfisher swoops down to look for some food at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
This female Belted Kingfisher seems to be saying, “aren’t I cute?” at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
A Belted Kingfisher shows that it’s a female with its brown banding while resting on a tree limb at Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
This female Belted Kingfisher seems to be laughing at me for attempting to take its phot at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
A little Eastern Phoebe sings its distinctive song at Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
Eastern Phoebes, like this one at Orlando Wetlands in November 2023, migrate south to our area in September and November from their usual northern homes.
A Caspian Tern soars over a pond at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023. AllAboutBirds.org says, “During migration, Caspian Terns frequent just about any large freshwater body or river inland where they can forage and rest.”
A pair of Caspian Terns explore the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
A migrating Caspian Tern hangs out at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
A Common Gallinule takes flight over a pond at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
“Gilligan’s Island” was a hit on TV, but Common Gallinule Island seems popular at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
The distinctive yellow spot over its eye makes it easy to identify this Savannah Sparrow at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
A Palm Warbler looks up to the sky at the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
A Palm Warbler seems to be saying “Whoa! Hold on there” while having its picture taken at Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
A Turkey Vulture keeps a watchful eye on the Orlando Wetlands in November 2023.
All Birds Orlando Wetlands

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