Florida Birds of Prey

Whilst we were in Florida we saw a number of birds of prey, but the most common by far were vultures. There were generally two species of vulture that could be seen flying high on the thermals above the parks, or pretty much anywhere we went. The bigger of these birds, the Turkey Vulture, remained out of photographic range. The other, the Black Vulture, was more confiding, particularly in places frequented by other animals and birds. The following images were taken at Gatorland in or around the bird rookery.

Black VulturesGatorland, Florida, USA

Black VulturesGatorland, Florida, USA

I was able to get some lovely close up images of the vultures that congregated near one of the alligator pens.

Black VultureGatorland, Florida, USA Black VultureGatorland, Florida, USA

Black VultureGatorland, Florida, USA

I was also pleased to capture on in flight, although the exposure was tricky against the bright blue sky.

Black Vulture in FlightGatorland, Florida, USA

One of the other common birds of prey, wherever there is water, is the Osprey. Still quite a rarity in the UK, they are a lot more common in Florida. Unfortunately I only manage to grab a coupe of flight shots.

OspreyFlorida, USA

OspreyFlorida, USA

I managed to grab photos of two other species as well. This Red Shouldered Hawk flew into a nearby tree whilst we were in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Red Shouldered HawkAnimal Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida, USA

And this final image was taken late one evening over the lake at Disney's Boardwalk. I am not sure, but I think it is an immature Bald Eagle. 

Bald Eagle (juvenile)Florida, USA