Even when it may be slow due to weather or rocket launches, a trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is almost always rewarding.
I went on a recent breezy morning, and the number of birds around was low. But the ones I did get to see were worth the trip.
This included a Merlin — the first I think I have ever seen at Merritt Island — who was busy dining on a dragonfly it had grabbed. There were also several Belted Kingfishers as well as a pair of Bald Eagles. And there were a few little birds flitting about.
From the Black Point Wildlife Drive, to Biolab Road, to Scrub Ridge Trail, to Pine Flatwood Trail to the Haulover Canal, there are so many places to visit to see different birds at MINWR.
Belted Kingfisher, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Belted Kingfisher, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Belted Kingfisher, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Bald Eagles, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Eastern Towhee, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Palm Warbler, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Female Common Yellowthroat, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Merlin (with a dragonfly), Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Merlin, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Merlin, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Belted Kingfisher, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.Belted Kingfisher, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, October 2025.
The Lake Eola swans have been iconic symbols of downtown Orlando’s central park for more than 100 years. Last weekend I went to the park to photograph the swans, which prompted me to learn more about them.
I’ve seen plenty of adult ones before, but it wasn’t until August along Black Point Wildlife Drive in Merritt Island that I came across a juvenile Reddish Egret. And I got to see both generations together.
