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Roger Simmons
Roger Simmons

Birds, Words, Pics + TV

Spending a magical morning at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, July 2, 2025July 2, 2025

Every once in a while, I have what I can only describe as an amazing birding day. This past Saturday was one of those days at the Orlando Wetlands.

From birds to bunnies, from Ruby-throated hummingbirds to Swallow-tailed Kites, it was a magical morning.

My goal for the day was to photograph some hummingbirds. I got only two quick chances but was still able to get a few nice photos of the tiny temperamental birds. Just accomplishing that would have made my day great, but there was more to come.

I came across a group of entertaining Swamp Rabbits feasting on some greens for breakfast. I had a beautiful little Northern Parula serenade me as I was walking past it. I saw a stunning blooming flower called a Florida Swamp Hibiscus as the sun reflected off the pond behind it.

In my car driving out of the wetlands, I spotted a pair of Swallow-tailed kites soaring overhead. I pulled my car over snapped a couple of quick shots, which included one of the birds carrying away a little frog.

And there were other wonderful birds, too. It was a birding day I will remember for a long time.

Swallow-tailed Kite with a frog, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Swallow-tailed Kite, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Northern Parula, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Northern Parula, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Marsh Rabbit, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Marsh Rabbit, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Marsh Rabbit, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Snowy Egret, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Common Gallinule chick, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025. Look how long its legs are!
Juvenile Little Blue Heron, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Male Red-winged Blackbird, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Female Red-winged Blackbird, Orlando Wetlands, June 2025.
Hibiscus Coccineus (commonly known as Florida Swamp Hibiscus, Scarlet Rosemallow, Texas Star Hibiscus or Scarlet Hibiscus), Orlando Wetlands, June 2025. Notice the drop of dew still on the middle petal.
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All Birds Orlando Wetlands Common GallinuleFlorida Swamp HibiscusLittle Blue HeronNorthern ParulaRed-Winged BlackbirdRuby-throated HummingbirdSnowy EgretSwallow-tailed KiteSwamp Rabbit

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