Chasing Wild Moments: A Photographic Journey Through Orlando Wetlands Park
Published 29 days ago • 3 min read
Volume 3, Issue 8 • March 5, 2025
What's up, fellow wanderer? I teased this trip last week when I was both exhausted and exhilarated from the experience. Let's dive into a fantastic wildlife experience at Orlando Wetlands Park!
There’s something magical about stepping into a place where nature is (mostly) untamed—where the air hums with birdsong, the water glistens under the Florida sun, and every corner holds a story waiting to be captured. My recent trip to Orlando Wetlands Park was a front-row seat to the raw and unpredictable beauty of the wild.
The wetlands are located in Christmas, FL, and admission is free. However, they accept donations, and I was happy to do so! There is plenty of room to park and explore a trail. There are several distances to choose from, or you can mix it up and explore what you want!
A Symphony of Spoonbills
The highlight of my visit? Without a doubt, the Roseate Spoonbills. Their pink plumage stood out like brushstrokes against the green backdrop of the wetlands. I watched, camera in hand, as they splashed playfully in the shallows, preened on their nests, and tenderly fed their chicks. There’s a delicate intimacy in moments like these—a reminder of how fragile and beautiful life in the wetlands truly is.
Predator and Prey: The Wild Side of the Wetlands
Of course, nature isn’t just soft feathers and golden light. The wetlands thrive on balance, and sometimes, that means witnessing the harsh realities of survival. I caught a striking moment when an Ibis snagged a snake in its beak, the reptile twisting as it fought against fate. But even more shocking was an alligator devouring a smaller alligator—a stark reminder that even apex predators must be wary in their territory.
Get Out and Explore
For travelers and photographers, Orlando Wetlands Park offers endless opportunities to witness and capture nature in its purest form. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant birdlife, the reflections of cypress trees in still waters, or the thrill of spotting an alligator lurking just beneath the surface, this place never disappoints.
There’s a world beyond city streets and screens, and it’s waiting for you. Local refuges and wetland parks like this are treasures worth protecting and experiencing firsthand. So grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and step into the wild—you never know what unforgettable moments you’ll find.
I spent some time practicing with the AI subject detection on birds in flight. I was happy to have a few successes!
Grace in motion. A Great Blue Heron glides effortlessly over the Orlando Wetlands Marsh, a perfect symbol of Florida’s untamed beauty.
Featured Photo of the Week
The decision was easy this week! When I saw the crowd of photographers gathered on the boardwalk, I knew something was happening—the babies had arrived! There were at least two in the nest, but only one raised its head.
I've spent more time out shooting, which means more culling than ever before, especially when using silent high-speed continuous mode. I shot over 5,000 photos between Merritt Island and Orlando Wetlands!
I have a couple of new blogs almost ready to go, but this week, I'm resharing a post from my series on landscape photography. The best part of Landscape Photography is getting out and enjoying nature. Our travels have taken us to some amazing places, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to explore our incredible country.
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song” — Chinese Proverb.
What's Next?
Next week, I will share more about the Eustis area and the 84th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get the bike back and can finally enjoy some planned rides.
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