Mixed Bag in Orlando

Had to take a trek down to the south of Orlando for a bit and stopped by a familiar pond along the way. did not see the American Coot that used to hang out there but I did see another bird I had forgotten about since they have not been in downtown Orlando for a while. A Pied-billed Grebe drifted out to the center of the pond as I slowed for a shot.



I spotted a couple birds I wanted to get shots of but as I made the turn to get a better look I noticed a shadow and looked up to see a Red-tailed Hawk circling nearby.



I positioned my van along the creek and soon came into view of a Tricolored Heron and White Ibis sifting through the edges of the weeds.



Soon, the object of my attention was visible and I stepped out to get a bunch of photos. I like this one the best. Roseate Spoonbills are not common in the Orlando area but for some reason a few of them love this spot near a very urban spot near a sprawling tourist complex. I will take those opportunities to be with them every chance I can.



On the way out I made sure to slow past a crowd I saw on the way in. Black Vultures were busy with the corpse of a hit Raccoon. Not pretty but yet another sighting.



A good tally of bird species in a short stop and a welcome change from the warbler searches I do near home every day.