Dedicated to the Orlando swamps most weekends, the Facebook page focuses on spectacular pictures of nature, including huge, hungry gators, naughty cutlets, and an intriguing array of ornate birds.
However, last weekend, an unwelcome flyer sailed to the 1,650-acre park about 25 miles east of Orlando, sparking protests among visitors, leading to complaints filed with the Federal Aviation Administration and the state’s Wildlife Conservation Board’s law enforcement department.
The flyer piloted a motorized paraglider into a protected space where even drones were prohibited.
“We saw them coming in,” said James McNair, 61, a hospice nurse who spends most weekends with camera gear in the wetlands and moderator of the Facebook page Orlando Wetlands Photography.
McNair took a picture of the flyer. One of them headed directly towards the Cypress Tree Dome, the main location of nested birds.
The marsh has hundreds of birds, ranging from the good looking flycatchers to bright pink rose ate spoonvilles and over 60 butterflies. Crocodiles, bobcats, coyotes, Kawatts and raccoons also roam the marsh grounds.
McNair said he saw the paraglider sailing towards Lurie and flying in the final moments before pulling up. Dozens of birds are scattered, abandoning nests and chicks.
The paraglider drifted, and the bird slowly returned.
“But it definitely scared a lot of them,” McNair said.
The nature community responded online with anger to McNair’s flyer photos.
Some asked the FAA to investigate. Others described the flyer as self-aware and stupid.
“I wish they’d land on the Gator,” one post remained silent.
In response to critics, the man posted an apology to the Facebook group, suggesting that he is one of the flyers.
The Orlando Sentinel was unable to verify his identity or contact him.
“I respect nature and always try to respect people… I was flying around and didn’t know that the marsh park was there,” the Post read. “If I had known, we would have avoided it. Don’t try to ruffle anyone’s wings, and I’m sorry to anyone who might have been upset that we were flying.
Orlando Wetlands manager Mark Seas introduced the city’s communications team to the inquiry.
Spokesman Ashley Papani said the city learned of “low-flying paragliding across Orlando’s wetlands” through photography and community concerns. “One of the people involved later contacted us directly, expressing their regret and revealing their sensitive nature and the importance of protecting wildlife,” Papani said.
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She did not name the individual, but said the incident was reported to the FAA and the FWC.
Chad Weber, a law enforcement officer with the state Department of Wildlife, said investigators are gathering information about the case and could fall under Florida law prohibiting wildlife harassment.
The city acquired 1,650 acres in 1986 for about $5.13 million to filter reclaimed wastewater. Water flows through wetlands and plants that consume nutrients before cleaned liquids flow into the St. John’s River.
In December 2022, the city opened a 2,200-foot promenade, allowing hikers, birdwatchers and other visitors to view the water and allow the fate of coots, yuglets, herons and forests to nest near the Cypress Dome.
“It’s something I think is a hidden gem of Central Florida,” said nature photographer Bruce Dore, 77.
Dore said paragliders are attracted to marsh areas for the same reasons as birds.
Many homes and beautiful views from above, he said.
On its website, the US-powered Paraglider Association states that “airspace can be extremely intimidating for many Paramotol pilots.”
“That means there are some places where we need permission to fly, and we don’t.”
