Category: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Trying to do some birding in the new year

Roger Simmons, January 21, 2024January 21, 2024

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.

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Pre-Christmas trips to Merritt Island net some favorite pics

Roger Simmons, January 4, 2024January 4, 2024

In addition to seeing some new birds, I also came across some regulars who became part of some of my favorite photos of 2023.

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Birds are definitely back at Black Point

Roger Simmons, December 13, 2023December 13, 2023

An early morning visit to Merritt Island delivered Roseate Spoonbills Wood Storks, Reddish Egrets, Great Herons, Osprey, Scrub-Jays and lots and lots of different ducks.

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Flamingos in Indian River?! Yes, but pretty far off

Roger Simmons, December 10, 2023January 18, 2024

There have been flamingos in the Indian River before, but it is pretty rare. I got up very early on a Saturday morning to try to get some pictures of them.

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It’s definitely warbler season in Central Florida

Roger Simmons, October 17, 2023October 17, 2023

It’s that time of year when little warblers seems to be almost everywhere in Central Florida.

Birds

Merritt Island trip brings 3 new-to-me birds, other favorites

Roger Simmons, October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

On a trip to the wildlife preserve, I came across some old favorites as well as three new-to-me birds: A female American Redstart, an Eastern Phoebe and a Least Flycatcher.

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Scrub-Jays are highlight of the day for Merritt Island visit

Roger Simmons, September 24, 2023October 2, 2023

I visited the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge hoping to see some Florida Scrub-Jays and some Bald Eagles. I was fortunate enough to see both, as well as some other birds

Birds

Are Belted Kingfishers stalking me? I’m OK with that

Roger Simmons, September 10, 2023September 10, 2023

I have been seeing Belted Kingfishers a lot recently at the Orlando Wetlands, Merritt Island and Lake Apopka. It’s almost like they stalking me.

Birds

Expected and unexpected birds at Merritt Island

Roger Simmons, July 30, 2023August 5, 2023

One of the things I love about visiting the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is you never know what you might see. On Sunday, July 16, I saw some birds I expected and one that was unexpected.

Birds

Dancing Reddish Egret, its imitator and an Osprey splashdown

Roger Simmons, July 26, 2023August 5, 2023

A quick Sunday morning trip to Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island was worth it with a Reddish Egret, Little Blue Heron and one very wet Osprey.