I was honored when our photo editor asked me for some of my bird photos for the weekly Sunday Snapshot feature.
Author: Roger Simmons

Playing catch-up: Photos from recent birding trips
Here’s a hodgepodge of photos from August trips to the UCF Arboretum, as well as Joe Overstreet Road and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Osceola County.

Thank goodness for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at Orlando Wetlands
When there isn’t much else to photograph at the Orlando Wetlands, these Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have made trips to Christmas worthwhile.

Finding ducks, other birds at Lake Apopka
I went to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive hoping to see some early migrating warblers, but I settled for photographing some other pretty birds.

Bahamas birding: Nassau’s Retreat Garden offers new birds
I’ve been to Nassau many times on cruises, so on my stop there last week I decided to visit The Retreat Garden on Village Road.

Amazing Swallow-tailed Kite trip to Volusia County
There were more than 100 Swallow-tailed Kites roosting about. But after a rough night, skimming across the water wasn’t part of their plans.

Atlas V rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral
The final launch of the Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral was worth waking up early to see.

Enjoying Eastern Meadowlarks in Osceola County
While driving down Joe Overstreet Road or exploring the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, I can’t remember a time I didn’t see a least one Eastern Meadowlark.

Common Nighthawks make for an uncommon discovery
I guess I got lucky with my daylight discovery of these Common Nighthawks during a morning visit to Osceola County.

By the dawn’s early light: Morning at Orlando Wetlands
There’s something special about the light in the morning when taking bird photos. The soft, golden hue makes the subjects look magical.