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.
Some are returning birds, like the Palm Warbler and the Yellow-throated Warbler. Some are new, like the female Painted Bunting. And some are regulars, like the Northern Cardinal and the Blue Jay.
