Egrets, eagles and other birds at Merritt Island

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.