I went to Lake Apopka on Sunday morning specifically hoping for a second chance to photograph the visiting Mississippi Kites.
Mission accomplished!
Fortunately for me, I wasn’t the only photographer looking for the birds. Jaye Patrick was there when I arrived, and he helpfully pointed out two of the kites.
The lighting was much better this time than it was in my first visit with the kites last week. And while last week there were six of the birds flying around, this morning there was just two.
Still, I’m happy I got these photos since the Mississippi Kites will be leaving soon for migration.
Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.Mississippi Kite, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, July 2026.
Robins are not normally found in Central Florida except in the winter, when they arrive here from their northern homes. While visiting the UCF Arboretum at sunset, a flock of several dozen Robins arrived.
Between clouds and rain showers, I was able to visit my three go-to spots for birding – Orlando Wetlands, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive – in the first two weeks of January.
