Editor’s note: First things first: We’re safe here in Central Florida and came through our brush with Hurricane Dorian with very little damage, although people are still worried about possible future flooding from all the rain – especially along the St. Johns river. Other places weren’t as fortunate as we are. The news from The Bahamas is horrific and some locations along the US east coast have severe impacts too. I hope recovery efforts are swift and thorough.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge announced they were re-opening on Friday (9/6/19) although BioLab Road and BioLab boat ramp were damaged and are closed for now. Kevin M. and I decided to ride over on Saturday morning and explore a bit. Here are some photos from the visit.
Sunrise Osprey.
There were several Ospreys fishing along the sunrise side of the entrance and we stopped to watch. I caught this one very close to the rising sun but unfortunately clipped a small part of its wing. I was shooting in continuous mode though, so I was able to make this composite image using a separate frame to fill in the missing bit.
Wood Stork portrait
For some reason, I haven’t made / posted a Wood Stork photo in a while. There were three or four hanging out at Parrish Park as we left. They’re very tolerant of people (the folks fishing must give them handouts) and it posed quietly while I made this close-up portrait. Some folks might not think they’re handsome, but I like their rugged good looks. They have a lot of character and seem to own their unique style!
Perched Osprey – watching us from a dead tree branch on Black Point Wildlife Drive
Black-crowned Night-Heron. Not a great photo, but I don’t see Night-Herons very often, so I’ll include it.
In general, the conditions at MINWR are pretty good. The water is high, and wildlife is a bit scarce, but that’s not unusual for this time of year. It’ll cool off soon and we can look forward to lots of birds visiting in the fall and winter.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Now – go make some photos!
©2019, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved
Great images Ed. Thanks so much for posting these.
Thank you Harry, and you’re welcome!
It’s good to hear the refuge seems in pretty good shape.
I loved all the images. That Osprey sunrise is a winner for me! The “rugged good looks” of the Wood Stork reminds of looking in the mirror. Old Flinthead, staring back at me.
Y’all had a good morning!
Thanks Wally. I may like Wood Storks for the same reason as you!
Wonderful photography! Yes, we identify with our animal friends. So fun to look up close and really see them in action. Sure gives us a peaceful feeling if they are doing OK.
I wonder about all the wild life on the Bahamas…Hope some survived although I can not image how.
Thank you Dorothy. I too have a hard time imagining how any wildlife could have survived that destruction. We can only hope.
Superb photographs, as always. The subjects do appear a little disgruntled ~ sorta like they just got through some bad weather!
Hey Sully – thanks. It could be they were disgruntled over the bad weather. Or maybe they were just upset with me.
🙂