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.
I was so excited back in May when I was able to take my first pictures of a Northern Parula at the Orlando Wetlands. Fast-forward to July, and it seems these birds are, dare I say, stalking me?
While driving down Joe Overstreet Road or exploring the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, I can’t remember a time I didn’t see a least one Eastern Meadowlark.