Merritt Island NWR, 3/30/2013

Eastern Kingbird

I spent this morning at Merritt Island NWR.  I first went to Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, and that was pretty fun. The biggest highlights were seeing several American Avocets in breeding plumage and my first Eastern Kingbird of the year.  The Eastern Kingbird was right near the restrooms, where I seem to find them every year.

American Avocet

At one of the stops there was a large mixed flock of wading birds and shorebirds (where I saw the avocets).  Photographically, this was the best part of my morning. At one point, a Peregrine Falcon dove in to attack, I suspect one of the many shorebirds, but pulled out of his dive. I was only able to get a photo after it decided to fly away.  Man, those birds fly fast!

Snowy Egret

White Ibis

Lesser Yellowlegs

Roseate Spoonbill

Great Egret

Peregrine Falcon

After Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, I drove down Biolab Road and East/West Gator Creek.  The only significant finds here were several Black-necked Stilts, both Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitchers and about 15 Stilt Sandpipers.

Stilt Sandpiper