outdoor photography

Wilson's Phalarope Biolab Rd It used to be that when I went to Merritt Island NWR, my sole destination was Blackpoint Wildlife Dr. Of course, that is by far the most popular part of the refuge, especially for visitors from out of town.  But the refuge actually has many wonderful locations for birding, hiking and otherwise enjoying nature.  Some are wildlife drives, and some allow you to get out of your car and walk a bit. I thought it would be good to offer a brief summary of the best locations on the refuge. You can consult my field reports as well for more information. Many of those that visit the refuge frequently know every nook and cranny of it, but there are about 9 locations on the refuge that are relatively easy to find with excellent birding opportunities. The above map is turned sidewise--north is to the left.  But you can see I-95 and the Max Brewer bridge over the inter-coastal waterway on SR-406 that takes you on to the refuge. Saltmarsh Sparro...

Tricolored Heron I found all the normal wading birds and shorebirds on Bio Lab Rd today.  Wading bird highlights were the normal herons and egrets, both ibises, and Roseate Spoonbills. We also had a fair share of Stilt Sandpipers, both Dowitchers, both Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers, and Least, Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Roseate Spoonbills Stilt Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Lesser Yellowlegs with Larvae of Horse Fly (I think) I also found a small flock of shorebirds with dowitchers, yellowlegs and an interesting shorebird.  It's a Wilson's Phalarope!  It in the rear with a very thin needle-like bill, white throat, white rump, and pale lores. Dowitchers, Yellowlegs, Wilson's Phalarope Dowitchers, Yellowlegs, Wilson's Phalarope

Wilson's Phalarope This past August I had the opportunity to photograph a Wilson's Phalarope that was found on Bio Lab Rd on Merritt Island.  I loved watching it forage.  The bugs all tried to keep a safe distance from the bird, but the phalarope was just too quick to let that stop him.  These photos are from my first sighting of the species. Wilson's Phalarope Wilson's Phalarope Wilson's Phalarope

Wilson's Phalarope I had a pretty fun time at Merritt Island this morning.  Easily the biggest highlight for me was a Wilson's Phalarope.  I found it on Bio Lab Rd.  Black-necked Stilts were also there, and I always enjoy them. Black-necked Stilts Blackpoint Drive was also pretty fun. I couldn't believe how many Reddish Egrets were there--I counted 18, and two of them were white morphs.  By the first parking lot there were many shorebirds, including one Wilson's Plover.  I also found a Golden Silk Orbweaver spider with a lunch.  I only wish I could tell what it had caught. Reddish Egret Wilson's Plover Golden Silk Orbweaver