I went to Haulover Canal at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Friday evening and saw 10-12 flamingos were wading around Mullet Head Island. So, I got my paddleboard and photo equipment ready to make a trip out to see them.
Then two Ospreys flew over — not the birds but the loud, odd-looking military aircraft, which ended up chasing away the flamingos.
I came back early Saturday and there were no flamingos. But when I returned at mid-morning, three flamingos had flown to the island — so I repeated my process from Friday and headed out to see and photograph the birds.
Two were hanging out together with the third one staying off by itself sleeping. It finally woke up and joined the trio.
Because of the harsh lighting, these are certainly not my best flamingo photos. I wish there had been more flamingos to photograph, but three is better than none.
American Flamingo and Reddish Egret, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo and Common Gallinule, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingos and Brown Pelican, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingos, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo and Reddish Egret, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo and Reddish Egret, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo and Brown Pelicans Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo and Brown Pelican, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo and Brown Pelicans, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingos, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingos, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.American Flamingo, Tricolored Heron and Brown Pelican, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, June 2026.
On every trip out to photograph birds, I hope for at least one special moment. On a recent trip, I had not one, but two special moments — and they both involved the same bird.
