I really enjoy visiting the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding, especially early in the morning. It’s such a wonderful time as the sun rises along the coast with the birds and other animals there greeting the new day.
On a recent weekend morning trip I got to see a Reddish Egret dancing around a pond while the orange sunrise reflected in the water. I also got to see the return of Bald Eagles – one to its longtime nest and another sitting on a lighting tower near a space-tracking radar station.
And I was able to photograph some other island regulars – including a group of White Ibis — as well as birds returning for the migration season — a Common Yellowthroat Warbler, a Pie-billed Grebes and a Palm Warbler.
Reddish Egret, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Young male Common Yellowthroat Warbler, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Pie-billed Grebe, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Adult and juvenile White Ibis, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Adult White Ibis, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Juvenile White Ibis, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Palm Warbler, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Bald Eagle, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Bald Eagle, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Bald Eagle, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.Bald Eagle, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, September 2024.
Though the bird migration season is winding down, there are still scores of amazing birds at Fort DeSoto Park near St. Petersburg, and I was able to photograph 16 different types of birds.
Included in this group are Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Common Yellowthroats, House Wrens and Swamp Sparrows. Also, I came across another new-to-me bird, a Swamp Wren.
