Merritt Island NWR, 12/12/2015

Saltmarsh Sparorw

This past Saturday I decided to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. I haven't been here in forever. I've spent most of my time in Orange and Seminole Counties, so it was very nice to return to MINWR. I was hoping to add some birds to my year list and collect some better photographs of birds that are around here this time of year.

Shiloh Marsh
I began at sunrise at Shiloh Marsh, hoping for Clapper Rails and Sharp-tailed Sparrows; they're very common here this time of year, and you're pretty sure to see them if you get out on the marsh as the sun is rising.  I saw all three species, but I was only able to photograph Saltmarsh Sparrows; I only saw one Nelson's Sparrow, and it was being too uncooperative.

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Saltmarsh Sparorw

Saltmarsh Sparrow

I couldn't believe how many Saltmarsh Sparrows there were, though.  My conservative estimate is 8 (they move under cover so well, it's possible that I saw the same bird pop up in two places, so I was pretty conservative). With just a little pishing, they popped up for me, and a couple times they were too close for my autofocus.  Their such beautiful birds.  I spent little time looking for other birds in the area, but I did photograph a Horned Grebe and a Great Egret on the road on the way out of the Shiloh Marsh.

Horned Grebe

Great Egret

Parrish Park

I next visited Parish Park--the bridge over the Indian River that leads you onto the island.  A Surf Scoter was seen here a few days before, so I was hoping to see it, since it would have been a Florida Lifer for me. However, it was nowhere to be found.  There were lots of shorebirds there though, so I took a few minutes to photograph some of the more cooperative birds along the shore.

Black-bellied Plover

Short-billed Dowitcher

Dunlin

Black Skimmer

East Gator Creek

From there I decided to drive down East Gator Creek. I didn't have much time before I had to leave, but a Snow Goose has been hanging out here, so I saved a little time to look for it.  Last weekend was the last weekend for duck hunting, so hunters were everywhere, and I thought for sure this bird would be gone or dead.  However, it was right where people said it was, and it was extremely cooperative.

Snow Goose