Florida Birding Trip Report - Day 13 (Lake Apopka Lust Road Wildlife Drive)

With the day once again dawning bright and sunny, but with my leg still rendering me unable to walk properly, it was lucky that our final days birding consisted of driving along Lust Road Wildlife Drive, a one way 11 mile drive around Lake Apopka in the rich marshy habitats of northern Orlando. With a heap of species being listed on e-bird for the site, including several rare sparrows, we were keen to see what final birds Lust Road could provide for us.

Driving along the dusty wetland-lined track towards the entrance gate where reports had suggested the sparrows and buntings had been congregating unfortunately drew a blank however, and with a flight to catch later that evening we pressed on to start the 11 mile wildlife safari.

An angry looking Boat-tailed Grackle

Almost immediately we had our first lifer – Fulvous Whistling Duck – a species that had so far evaded us but one we had fully expected to see over in Florida. With several flying over throughout the morning, we were able to clinch the important ID features that separate Fulvous from the similar Black-bellied Whistling Ducks – all dark upper wings with not a hint of white, plus a white crescent shape on the outstretched tails.

Fulvous Whistling Ducks

With several Tree Swallows flitting around above us alongside the Barn Swallows, we continued on, a roosting flock of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks hiding in the undergrowth containing a single partly obscured Fulvous alongside them – not noticeable until we checked our photos afterwards!

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks

Along with the usual Common Gallinules and American Coots that dabbled in the water in abundance, several White Ibises foraged close to the car while Anhingas lined the banks drying off outstretched wings in the sun. 

American Coot complete with nest!

An American Purple Gallinule was also one of only a handful we’d seen during our time in Florida, while numerous Tricoloured, Little Blue and Great Blue Herons stalked the reed edges searching for prey.

Tricoloured Heron

Having missed Marsh Wrens at all our previous sites, Lust Road was our last chance for this species, and the recent e-bird reports suggested that Lake Apopka and the surrounding roads were a hotspot for them, with up to 20 individuals being noted.

Indeed, driving along a long straight stretch of road, we soon heard the distinctive call of several birds singing in the reeds, staying mostly hidden in the depths but eventually catching sight of one as it hopped down a stem right in the open. Only on view for a matter of seconds, neither of us managed to get a photo, but the bright supercilium and song emanating from the reeds left no doubt as to the ID.

In total we had around 8 Marsh Wrens along the drive, catching sight of another skulking bird further along as it manoeuvred through the reeds, but again, both of us too slow to manage to capture anything on camera other than reeds!

All I could manage when trying to grab a snap of a Marsh Wren!

Several raptors also soared overhead, the majority being Turkey Vultures along with a pair of Bald Eagles, while an obliging Red-tailed Hawk perching on a post provided a welcome change from the far more numerous Red-shouldered Hawks.

Red-tailed Hawk

Heading further along the drive also revealed a number of waders probing in the shallows - a pair of Black-necked Stilts provided excellent views close to the edge while Lesser Yellowlegs, Glossy Ibis and Roseate Spoonbills waded through the water.

Black-necked Stilt

As well as bird life on Lust Road, there was also an abundance of reptiles and butterflies along the water’s edge. A Viceroy – similar to our earlier Queens and Monarchs - was a new species of butterfly for the trip, while Cooters and Alligators rested peacefully on the water’s surface, the occasional murmur in the murky depths often the only indication that something predatory was lurking beneath.

Record shot of the Viceroy

Florida Cooter

Alligators lurked in the depths

Nearing the end of the trail, we also chanced upon two fine American Bitterns, this time right out in the open and giving excellent views as they sat between the reed stems. 

American Bittern

With just obscured views previously at Green Cay, it was great to finally get a good look at these impressive birds and note the differences between our own familiar Bittern.

With the clock sadly ticking down and with a plane to catch that evening, our time exploring Florida’s incredible wetlands was finally up, and we reluctantly made the journey back to Orlando to return our (thankfully still intact) second hire car, check in at the airport and tuck in to a much needed meal of Australian grilled chicken.

We couldn't leave without an Alligator selfie!

With two weeks dedicated to experiencing the wonders of American birds and the absolute avian delights that Florida had to offer, we had well and truly made the most of our time in the sunshine state, leaving with a variety of weird and wonderful birds now under our belt. From the charismatic Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, elusive Mangrove Cuckoos, prehistoric Smooth-billed Anis and endemic Florida Scrub Jays, to the magical Painted Buntings, breath-taking Swallow-tailed Kites and the ABA mega Zenaida Dove, we had exceeded all our expectations and more. 

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Mangrove Cuckoo

Smooth-billed Ani

Florida Scrub Jay

Painted Bunting

Swallow-tailed Kite

Zenaida Dove

Alex's fab video of our Florida birds

Exploring the wonderfully diverse habitats of the state had also created a lasting impact, from the white sandy beaches that were the paradise of the Dry Tortugas and Florida Keys to getting immersed in the swampy boardwalks and mangrove walkthroughs of the everglades - Florida had offered a completely new experience around every corner.

With the American East coast now pretty much wrapped up in terms of species, the lush forests of Michigan await us on our next visit to the states, where the endangered Kirtland's Warbler and enchanting Evening Grosbeaks can be found!