Merritt Island trip brings 3 new-to-me birds, other favorites

Roger Simmons,

I headed over the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, October 7, hoping to find some new birds to photograph.

I came across some old favorites as well as three new-to-me birds: A female American Redstart, an Eastern Phoebe and a Least Flycatcher.

I found the Redstart and Flycatcher at the Oak and Palm Hammock Trails near the refuge’s headquarters. The Eastern Phoebe was spotted at the Pine Flatwoods trail.

The other favorites were taken mostly along the old, fairly reliable Black Point Wildlife Drive.

A female American Redstart visits the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in October 2023.
An Eastern Phoebe sits on a fence post along the Pine Flatwoods trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in October 2023.
A little Least Flycatcher sits at the very top of a tree at the entrance to the Oak and Palm Hamock trails at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in October 2023.
A Reddish Egret looks rather sinister staring at your photographer at Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island in October 2023.
A female Common Yellowthroat checks out the scene along Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island in October 2023.
The Osprey is saying “ahhh” rather loudly at the Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island in October 2023.
A juvenile Black-crowned Night-heron tries to blend in with the surroundings along Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island in October 2023.
A male Belted Kingfisher has his feathers tossed by the breeze along the Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island in October 2023.
A Little Blue Heron hangs out along the Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island in October 2023.
A Florida Scrub-Jay jumps up from one branch to another at the Pine Flatwoods Trail on Merritt Island in October 2023.
Birds Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

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