Category: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Birds say Florida fall migration season has started

Roger Simmons, September 1, 2026September 1, 2026

I came across a couple of migrating Northern Yellow Warblers and Northern Waterthrushes. There was even a Prairie Warbler.

Roger Simmons, July 26, 2026July 26, 2026

There were multiple Mississippi Kites and Swallow-tailed Kites flying around the same location at the same time.

Roger Simmons, July 25, 2026July 24, 2026

These birds are long-distance migrants making a stop at Lake Apopka as they get ready to head to Central and South America for winter.

Roger Simmons, July 22, 2026July 22, 2026

I’ve seen them at Orlando Wetlands, I’ve seen them at Merritt Island, but I’ve seen the most at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

Roger Simmons, July 12, 2026July 12, 2026

The lighting was much better this time than it was in my first visit with the kites at Lake Apopka last week.

Roger Simmons, July 11, 2026July 10, 2026

Among the locations I visited in June for these photos were Osceola County, Merritt Island, Lake Apopka, UCF and the Orlando Wetlands.

Roger Simmons, July 10, 2026July 10, 2026

Audubon notes that they used to be more common across the Southeastern U.S., and their range used to extend as far north as Minnesota.

Roger Simmons, July 7, 2026July 7, 2026

It’s not unheard of for them to be in Central Florida, but they are typically seen more often in the northern part of the state.

Roger Simmons, June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

While many migratory visitors have moved on, there is still a tremendous variety of birds to photograph across the area.

Roger Simmons, December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

There were raptors and shorebirds, little birds and big birds, and one photo-friendly bobcat I came across during my travels.