The weekend weather forecast wasn’t promising, but that didn’t deter me from heading over to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for a little birding. And I am glad I did it
It was cloudy and the lighting wasn’t great, but I did get to see and photograph some of my favorite birds, including a male Common Yellowthroat.
These cute little bandit-masked birds are year-round residents on Merritt Island, but they can be a bit reclusive and very jumpy – making them difficult for me to photograph. But along East Gator Creek Road I found one who seemed happy to pose for me.
I also came across a group of Black-necked Stilts – the first I have seen in awhile. They are not year-round residents; they come to Central Florida for breeding season. It will be fun watching and photographing them over the next few months.
And, of course, on this trip there were several other birds for me to photograph, too.
Male Common Yellowthroat, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Male Common Yellowthroat, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Male Common Yellowthroat, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Black-necked Stilts getting photo-bombed by some Blue-winged Teal ducks, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Black-necked Stilt, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Black-necked Stilt, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Black-necked Stilt, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Tricolored Heron, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.White Ibis, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Juvenile Little Blue Heron, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Male Belted Kingfisher, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.Female Boat-tailed Grackle, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, March 2025.
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.
While the birds seemed to be preparing for some upcoming stormy weather, I found out that others at the UCF Arboretum were going about their usual routines.
I haven’t been able to go as often as I did last year, but each trip usually includes some special moment involving birds or other creatures who live there.
