Birds, Rollercoasters & Bald Eagles: A Wild Week at Disney World Florida.
Orlando Birding & Disney Adventure
Arrival Day – February 10, 2024
We flew into Orlando International Airport with British Airways from Gatwick, landing at 16:25 on the 10th of February. I was extremely excited to see what America had in store for me. It was my first time visiting the U.S, and I had done a lot of research on the local birds. Of course, I was also looking forward to all the rides too!
We were booked in for the week. My partner ( a somewhat seasoned Disney pro) had planned to cram in all the parks, the Super Bowl final, and a trip to Universal Studios too.
We got ourselves through customs and into an Uber, ready to start our adventure. My eyes were continually glued to the sunroof and windows in anticipation of every bird I might everything would be completely new to me. Luckily, we rode in a Tesla, which gave me pretty much 360° vision.
My Target Species
I had four target species for this trip:
• Pelican
• Bald Eagle
• Cardinal
• Hummingbird
Each of them held a personal meaning for me.
From a very young age, my dad used to tell me stories about hummingbirds feeding from nectar he held in his hands at a zoo ,I’m fairly sure it was London Zoo, but not 100% certain.
The Northern Cardinal was another special bird. My dad had visited Charlotte in the U.S. twice for work and brought me back a stuffed toy cardinal. As a child, it was always my favourite teddy.
The Bald Eagle well, raptors are my favourite type of bird, and eagles are my favourite raptors. Being the national bird of America made seeing one feel iconic. The reports I’d read weren’t promising, but a few sightings had popped up occasionally. I wasn’t sure if they were rare in Orlando or just underreported around International Drive.
And as for the Pelican, it’s simply nothing like anything I’d seen in the wild before, definitely something epic to encounter.
A Tesla, a Turkey Vulture… and Then, Magic
As we left the airport, I spotted my first raptor: a Turkey Vulture, what a start! I was so excited. My eyes stayed glued to the windows, filled with wonder and anticipation for the trip ahead.
Then it happened!
To my amazement, a bird I recognised immediately by its silhouette and sheer size soared over a lake to my right. Majestic. Massive. The shape and flight reminded me of the White-tailed Eagles I know well from back home.
No doubt in my mind: it was a Bald Eagle.
I watched in awe as it flew directly toward us and then glided gracefully into a nearby tree. The evening sun lit its brilliant white head and tail perfectly, this was a full adult bird what a beauty .
I shouted, “Eagle!” with the giddy enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas morning. I wasn’t able to live the snap down and was teased by my partner and her mum for months to follow, but I couldn’t care less. It was magical. And to top it off, I managed to get my partner’s stepfather onto the bird too. Sharing that moment was truly special.
As the excitement settled, I looked out again and noticed a flock of large birds in flight. I managed a quick iPhone 13 snap this time it was Pelicans! Two of my four target birds ticked off already. What a way to start the trip.
Hotel Check-in & Magic Kingdom Fireworks
We got ourselves checked into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and as we walked to our room, I was able to record my first bird sightings into eBird for February 10th.
The first image on the Canon R7 was this hunting Great Blue Heron
We quickly changed and headed straight out again, eager to catch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and start the real Disney magic. It was the perfect way to spend the evening, soaking in the atmosphere, enjoying family time, and dreaming of what the week would bring.
Gear & Photography Notes
For this trip, I brought my Canon R7, paired with the 100–400mm lens and 1.4x extender. A light, versatile setup ideal for fast travel, the parks, and capturing wildlife on the go.
I also did some research before the trip on how to take a camera into the Disney parks. As of February 2024, you’re required to remove all electrical devices and hold them out in front of you when passing through the scanner checkpoints.
A couple of times I was sent for a manual bag check, but the staff were always informative, positive, and helpful. For me, the process was as stress-free as possible. That said, I recommend checking the latest rules before travelling if you plan to bring your camera.
Important note: you’re not allowed to take professional images in the parks photos must be for personal use only.
I used this first park visit as a test run to see how it all worked and to clear any anxiety I had about getting my camera in.
Day 2 — 11th February 2024
I set the alarm for 6:20 am and was up on adrenaline and anticipation. I slept well and didn’t experience any jet lag. I walked out into the crisp morning air as the sun rose to greet me with a warm glow on my skin and headed for Caribbean Cay. I was keen to check if the Great Blue Heron was still present from the day before; however, it wasn’t.
I then headed back to the island and took in the atmosphere ,the birdsong and bugs, something completely different to anything I’d ever experienced, as all the sounds of wildlife were new, with the odd familiar sounds dripping in. Then I noticed a blue and colourful bird land close to me; unaware at the time, this was a Tri-colored Heron. The iPhone’s AI bird recognition came in very handy on this trip as it was very helpful in identifying many of the new species. The light was poor, so I had to shoot slow, but I managed this image of the Tri-colored Heron in the reeds.
I then stopped to listen to the birdsong without knowing what I could hear, looking out for alligators or snakes, birds, or anything to focus my lens on. My attention was drawn to a few feeding White Ibis, then to a Palm Warbler, before finally a Common Grackle came and landed close. I got this image.
We then headed over to Old Port Royal for breakfast. On my walk back, I admired the Purple Martins feeding nearby before heading off to our first full day at a park . What a park to start with: Hollywood Studios. We spent lots of time visiting Star Wars, Indiana Jones Live Stunt Show, Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror.
While waiting for us to come off the Tower of Terror, my partner’s mum spotted a Brown Anole lizard. This species is native to Cuba and the Bahamas but has only recently been found in Florida, where it is now establishing populations. The Brown Anole is known for its ability to adapt to urban environments and compete with native lizards, making it an interesting addition to Florida’s wildlife.
After leaving Hollywood Studios to drop off my camera and grab some food, we headed off to see the much-anticipated Super Bowl final. We’d been wearing our jerseys all day. Me in Chiefs, my partner a Giants fan, and her parents, who aren’t really into American football, were convinced to wear one of the local team’s jersey. They spent most of the evening wondering why everyone kept saying “Fins up” to them… completely baffled by all the attention they were getting. We finally let them in on the joke, they’d been proudly repping the Miami Dolphins without even knowing it.
On arrival at the bus stop at Caribbean Beach near the Aruba stop, while waiting for the bus, I spotted a hummingbird darting energetically around a tree.A species I had high on my target list. Having seen similar hawk moths back in Europe, I had no doubt this was indeed a hummingbird. It perched high in the tree long enough for me to get a quick photo on my iPhone. Although the image wasn’t great, just a record shot, it was still a rewarding sight. With three of the four challenging birds I’d hoped to find already checked off within my first 24 hours at Disney, there was still plenty of time left to get the perfect shot.
On the bus ride to Disney Springs, I found myself chatting with some locals about football. I was good-naturedly teased for being a Chiefs fan and a glory hunter, something I have to do in at least one sport, being a West Ham fan where glory is few and far between! The friendly banter set the tone perfectly for the evening ahead.
We capped off the day with beer, wings, and the Super Bowl final! The atmosphere in the bar was electric, and it was moving to see the passion as the national anthem was sung. The game was intense and thrilling, going into overtime with the Kansas City Chiefs scoring the final points to clinch the victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It was brilliant to see my partner’s parents’ curiosity turn into real interest by the end of a late night.
Day 3 - 12th February 2024 Animal Kingdom Adventures and a Special Northern Cardinal
I started the day with a bit of a lie-in before heading out for breakfast. Looking out over the lake near our accommodation at Caribbean Beach Resort, I spotted a Little Blue Heron wading quietly , a calm start to what promised to be an exciting day. From the same bus stop where I’d seen the hummingbird the night before, I waited for the bus to Animal Kingdom. No hummingbirds this time, but while waiting, I managed a quick record shot of a Bald Eagle flying over a stunning sight to begin the day.
Once at Animal Kingdom, the first stop was Flight of Passage .Truly one of my favourite rides of the trip. The immersive experience always leaves me in awe and was a perfect way to kick off the morning.
The first bird was this beautiful Pied-billed Grebe
As the day went on, I enjoyed watching a male Red-shouldered Hawk perched in a tree, surrounded by a flock of White Ibis. It was a striking scene the hawk calmly overseeing the noisy ibis .
Later, while waiting at a bird show, my partner spotted a female Northern Cardinal bobbing around, feeding close by. My eyes immediately shifted from the exotic birds on display to this perfect wild bird , my final target species. Wow, I couldn’t believe I’d seen all the birds I was keen on. Getting good shots was going to be tricky, but the pressure was off to some degree.
At the end of the safari, I noticed a flash of red , a Cardinal. I’d hoped to see one during this trip, and here it was, right in front of me.
That bird has always meant something more to me.
As a kid, my dad brought back a small red cardinal toy from one of his trips to America. It didn’t chirp or make a sound, but I kept it close for years. It was my first connection to a bird from across the Atlantic ,a tiny, bright symbol of faraway wildlife. I must’ve stared at it hundreds of times, imagining the places where real ones lived.
I managed this shot through the trees.
I also spotted two more new birds for the trip a Grey Catbird and a Carolina Wren
Towards the end of the day, as evening crept in, I spotted what was unmistakably a woodpecker land on a tree. I had no idea of the species at the time, so I crept closer and got these images. It turned out to be a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ,what a name!
We ended the trip back in Pandora, where we had started the day. We were lucky to see it lit up and illuminated as the park stayed open a bit later that evening. If you ever get the chance to see it, it’s beautiful and breathtaking at night!
Day 3 – Universal Studios Thrills and an Osprey Flyover
Tuesday 13th February 2024
This was a slightly different kind of day, no early morning birding or cameras, just a full-on theme park adventure. We grabbed an Uber early and arrived at Universal Studios for around 9:30am, keen to make the most of our only day in the park. With just one shot at it, it was fast-paced and packed with adrenaline , rollercoasters, immersive rides, and cinematic worlds coming to life.
Even with all the chaos and excitement, I still had a memorable wildlife moment , a close Osprey flyover right in the middle of the action. It was a brief but brilliant reminder that nature can show up when you least expect it, even surrounded by rollercoasters and crowds.
We stayed until late, getting back around 9pm, just in time to reset for the next day. I had an early start planned a quiet birding walk followed by something a little different.
Day 5 – Morning Birding and Valentine’s Breakfast at Magic Kingdom
Wednesday 14th February 2024
I woke up feeling grateful, really stopping to think, I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to experience this. Most mornings, I kept it simple, but today I decided to take a slightly longer walk. This led me to another peaceful lake where a couple of male Northern Cardinals were calling and flitting close by. I stopped to soak in the spectacle and snap some photos. Nearby, a graceful Snowy Egret and a Tricolored Heron followed a fishing boat, moving with quiet purpose across the water.
My partner’s stepdad joined me, and together we admired the variety of birds before catching the bus to Magic Kingdom nice and early. To our surprise, while waiting in the queue for our name to be called at the Valentine’s breakfast, a Red-shouldered Hawk rested in a nearby tree. Unfazed by the people walking past, it allowed me to get close and capture some of my favorite tight, portrait-style shots of the trip, despite the already harsh, bright sunlight.
After enjoying a buffet Valentine’s meal, we headed out to watch the parade. Later, I spotted what was probably the same Red-shouldered Hawk perched high on a flagpole, quietly observing the park from above. We continued our walk around Magic Kingdom, tallying up the species seen before heading back.
Near the ticket office, I was lucky enough to spot a long-range Bald Eagle soaring in the distance. Nearby wetlands held more birds, including some Cattle Egrets feeding in close. It was a fitting end to a morning full of quiet moments and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Thursday 15th February 2024
This day began with another long walk around the lake at Caribbean Beach Resort. The sky was dramatic, deep red tones reflecting off the water and although I walked the opposite direction from usual, I didn’t spot any new bird species. Still, it was a peaceful start to the morning and a great chance to enjoy familiar birds again.
Just before we caught the Skyliner over to EPCOT, I noticed movement in a nearby tree and got a great view of a Brown Thrasher a new bird for the trip and one I hadn’t expected!
EPCOT ended up being one of my favourite parks overall. The large central lake and surrounding wetland-friendly landscaping created great birding opportunities. The first standout moment was spotting an Anhinga bathed in golden light. I hadn’t seen one before this trip, and they quickly became a favourite.
As we wandered the park, I also saw a Green Heron down by the lake and watched a Mallard chick following its mother near the shoreline. We rode Guardians of the Galaxy before exploring the gardens, where I came across a stunning Gulf Fritillary butterfly, as well as a Monarch. I even glimpsed a hummingbird whizzing past too quick to identify but magical nonetheless.
As the afternoon went on, we slowly circled the lake. One particularly nice sighting was a Forster’s Tern resting on a buoy, and I had a brilliant view of an Osprey feeding in a nearby tree a close, intimate encounter.
The day ended in spectacular style: just as the sun dipped low, I found myself face-to-face with another Anhinga in the warm golden light. It let me get close and take a series of portrait-style shots. That single moment may have produced my favourite image from the entire trip the kind of encounter that makes wildlife photography so powerful.
Before this journey, I didn’t even know Anhingas existed. Now, I won’t forget them.
Bald Eagles & Hummingbird Magic: The Final Day in Disney
Friday 16th February 2024— and the last full day.
Determination was the key word. I was up at 11:50pm the night before, researching every possibility for one last chance to capture something special. I was desperate to see and photograph a Bald Eagle. That, and to finally catch a hummingbird on camera. Both had eluded me so far.
We started the day with some gift shopping and a final visit to Hollywood Studios, where we had a lovely encounter with a Red-shouldered Hawk. A great start. We then headed over to Magic Kingdom with the plan to visit either Animal Kingdom or EPCOT later, depending on how the day went
While standing by the lake at Magic Kingdom, I spotted a familiar large raptor gliding in circles across the water. It was distant but unmistakable.
A Bald Eagle.
So close, yet already drifting out of view.
My partner had a brilliant idea “Why not take the boat?”
I was skeptical the bird would stick around, but the boat route would take us in the right direction, and I had to try.
We boarded and began our slow journey across the lake, past American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes, softshell turtles, and a few terrapins basking on the edges. My eyes scanned every tree and thermalling shape in the sky. This was it. My final chance.
As we approached EPCOT, a large bird flew high overhead on stiff wings. I raised my camera quickly and snapped a few record shots. It was a Wood Stork! A totally new species for me, and a very cool sighting, but not the eagle I’d been hoping for.
We disembarked at EPCOT. Around the corner near the UK Pavilion, we paused to watch a feeding Osprey and an Anhinga. I kept looking, half hopeful, half convinced I’d missed my eagle moment.
Then I saw it.
A large raptor perched in a tree.
On a small island.
The closest island.
A juvenile Bald Eagle, just sitting there. Not soaring. Not disappearing. Sitting. Waiting.
I was completely stunned.
The light, though, was a nightmare hard, bright, harsh. Worse still, the bird was only visible from one angle, and I had no choice but to shoot directly into the sun. From any other direction, it was completely obscured.
But none of that mattered.
I got the shots.
Not perfect, technically. But personally? They’re everything. These photos hold deep meaning and memory. They’re filled with the magic of the moment. My partner’s stepdad even captured some incredible iPhone video of the eagle in flight.
After spending time with the bird, the chance to visit Animal Kingdom had passed. We wandered around EPCOT and soaked in the final few hours of our trip.
And then… one final surprise.
We returned to my favourite bus stop on earth, and Disney had one more gift for me.
A flash of movement.
A shimmer of wings.
There it was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
I couldn’t believe it.
This time, I had my camera.The light was terrible ,and that’s being kind. It was dim, awkward, and challenging. But I managed to get a few shots of this fast-moving, shimmering bird. They aren’t my best, but they are among my favourites. They carry weight and wonder. The moment meant everything.
Packing Up & Looking Back
The next day departure day was full of rain. My camera stayed safely packed away.
For travel, I always carry a shoulder bag that looks like a regular day bag, but houses my camera securely. It’s great for around hotels or when I don’t want to draw attention. On the plane, I bring a backpack that holds my camera body, lenses, laptop, hard drives, chargers, and other gear essentials. My equipment is either locked in the safe or strapped to me at all times.
Despite the gear precautions, this wasn’t a photography-only trip.
I rode every ride I wanted to.
I had the most incredible family time.
And I experienced some of the greatest birding moments of my life.
This trip was magic.
Birds, photography, family, Disney all wrapped together.
Highly recommended.
🐦 Bird Species Checklist
Florida Birding | February 10–16, 2024
Total species observed: 63
Wading & Water Birds
• Anhinga
• Double-crested Cormorant
• American Coot
• Great Egret
• Snowy Egret
• Tricolored Heron
• Green Heron
• White Ibis
• Cattle Egret
• Mottled Duck
• Mallard
• Pied-billed Grebe
• Wood Stork
• Hooded Merganser
Raptors & Owls
• Bald Eagle
• Osprey
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Red-tailed Hawk
• Black Vulture
• Turkey Vulture
• Barred Owl
Gulls & Terns
• Ring-billed Gull
• Forster’s Tern
Pigeons & Doves
• Mourning Dove
Woodpeckers
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Songbirds & Passerines
• Blue Jay
• American Crow
• Fish Crow
• Northern Mockingbird
• Brown Thrasher
• Northern Cardinal
• Common Grackle
• Boat-tailed Grackle
• Palm Warbler
• Myrtle Warbler (Yellow-rumped Warbler)
• Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
• Purple Martin
• House Sparrow
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Closing Thoughts: Birds, Thrills & Unforgettable Moments
This Florida adventure packed more into a week than I thought possible. While it was very much a family holiday, I brought my camera everywhereand with a bit of luck, timing, and instinct, I found moments of wild magic in between the parks, rides, and fireworks.
Armed with only my camera (no binoculars this time), I managed to log 63 bird species, squeezing in bursts of birding between park entrances, bus stops, and lakeside paths. I was the only one birding, but it became part of the rhythm of the trip, quietly noticing wildlife even amid the magic and mayhem.
The standout? A Bald Eagle at EPCOT, which launched from a lakeside island in a dramatic, failed fishing attempt, then circled back to its perch. Watching a wild eagle hunt right there in the heart of Disney World was surreal and unforgettable.
Other highlights included a Wood Stork flyover, the surprise appearance of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and daily encounters with herons, egrets, and grackles that gave the parks a wild undercurrent.
But beyond the birds, this trip was about time together. We raced from ride to ride, soaked in the Disney atmosphere and packed each day with laughter, memories, and shared wonder.
This wasn’t just a birding trip or a theme park break it was both. A fast, fun, joy-filled escape where nature and imagination coexisted beautifully.
📩 Let me know what your Florida favourites are!
Have you birded around Orlando or mixed wildlife with a theme park trip? I’d love to hear your highlights or questions — drop a comment or reach out via Instagram: @dpeters92_wildlife
