Sunday, February 12, 2012

Build it & They Will Come: Orlando Wetlands Park


Often when I travel, I look first and ask questions later. This preserves an element of discovery and surprise. My first impression of Orlando Wetlands Park was that of a pre-historic landscape. I was soon absorbed by the scads of birds, like a kid in a candy store; at one point the Vermillion Flycatcher I had seen "advertised" at the entrance flew right by me! So, it was much later that I read the park brochure..


According to the brochure: "Orlando Wetlands Park represents the first large-scale man-made wetland designed to treat reclaimed water and provide wildlife habitat". From the plethora of birds-in-residence, it would seem that they have been..um..wildly successful. This is hopeful..as we may indeed be able to restore a semblance of the wild places we have destroyed.

There were Black Vultures.
E-Gadwall.. a two headed duck!

A pair of Sandhill Cranes.
Heading to visit the vultures..






















Who soon left the scene
Heh, heh..
Savannah Sparrows flitted in nearby brush.





















A Common Moor Hen..
Or two..

Uncommonly beautiful.
As I wandered, dusk approached..


Now what is this? A Limpkin I later learned, a life bird, very tame, and unconcerned with me..






















I have way too many pictures of this Limpkin

As I've mentioned: pre-historic landscape


Why did the Tricolor Heron cross the road?

A covey of Coots heads off one by one..

Dusk is in the wind

And on the wing..

Female Boat Tailed Grackle in the fading light



















And her mate.. I'm blurry, but don't you love my blue hue?



An Anhinga roosts for the night
Sun is setting

Cormorants settle in, and the vultures too..

Good night Gracie..
I come more and more to the conclusion, that wilderness, in America or anywhere else, is the only thing worth saving ~ Edward Abbey





14 comments:

  1. This looks like a very nice place. Reminds me of Viera Wetlands near Titusville. Great shots.

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  2. Awesome photos!! I love those Limpkin..were wailing? When were you there?

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    1. Thanks Dawn, now you understand my comment on your blog of "too many photos". Such friendly birds..

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  3. Looks like you had a great time! This my favorite place in Florida!

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    1. Thanks Scott, it's because of your posts that I knew of it!

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  4. Looks like a fabulous place to go birding. Fantastic photographs of beautiful birds! Love the Sandhill Crane pair sipping water side by side and the Great Blue Heron in-flight shot, all your images are wonderful, though!

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  5. What a marvelous post! Thanks for informing me of a new place to visit when I venture back to Florida. I LOVE Limpkins, and your photos are wonderful!!

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  6. Looks like a heavenly place for birds and wildlife!! I want to visit!!!
    LOVE your pics!!

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  7. Great post, Cindy. Love the photos. The Limpkin is very photogenic indeed. I appreciate your sense of adventure. Look first, read later :) Terrific Heron in flight shot!

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