Finding some very colorful characters at Lake Apopka
Roger Simmons,
The Lake Apopka area is definitely a not-so-hidden gem for birders and nature lovers. There is so much variety to be found there, as well as nature’s rainbow of colors.
On a couple of recent weekend mornings, I came across birds sporting colors of blue, purple, green, brown, tan, gray and black. not to mention a some yellow and orange butterflies.
I was especially pleased to photograph an Eastern Bluebird parent with an offspring, and an entertaining Least Bittern darting about in a pond along the lake’s wildlife drive.
Male Eastern Bluebird, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Young Eastern Bluebird, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Purple Gallinule, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Purple Gallinule, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Green Heron, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Anhinga, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Gray-headed Swamphen, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Gray-headed Swamphen, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Young Gallinule (common or purple, but I can’t tell), Lake Apopka, June 2025.Least Bittern, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Least Bittern, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Black-crowned Night Heron, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Giant Swallowtail Butterfly, Lake Apopka, June 2025.Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, Lake Apopka, June 2025.
The Lake Eola swans have been iconic symbols of downtown Orlando’s central park for more than 100 years. Last weekend I went to the park to photograph the swans, which prompted me to learn more about them.
On every trip out to photograph birds, I hope for at least one special moment. On a recent trip, I had not one, but two special moments — and they both involved the same bird.