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.
There have been flamingos in the Indian River before, but it is pretty rare. I got up very early on a Saturday morning to try to get some pictures of them.
Between clouds and rain showers, I was able to visit my three go-to spots for birding – Orlando Wetlands, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive – in the first two weeks of January.
