I really enjoyed my first visit of the year to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge a few weeks ago. Here are some more of those photos that haven’t been on the blog before.
The view that morning looking south east from under the Max Brewer Memorial Causeway bridge was lovely. I made several frames – the one below is my favorite. The header image is part of a similar one from five minutes later .
Three boats on the riverThe low, warm, side light on this group of American White Pelicans made them even more attractive when I found them moments after sunrise.
A small pod of pelicansIt’s always nice to encounter Roseate Spoonbills and they were in several spots along Black Point Wildlife Drive. This one flew almost directly over me.
Flight of the SpoonbillCinnamon Teals are a rarity in Central Florida. This one seems to winter every year in MINWR. I found it again in the same spot along the Wild Birds Unlimited Trail that begins at stop 4 on the BPWD. It likes to hang out there with the other ducks. The birds were so harshly back lit that I had trouble seeing colors to ID it. I’m pretty amazed at how well this photo turned out.
Cinnamon TealI got a fairly good view of this Kingfisher and he stayed still for a moment while I made a photo:
Male Belted KingfisherThe ranger says the duck population is down this year, and it does look like they’re less numerous. But I did see a good variety including Blue-winged Teals, Northern Shovelers, Mottled Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, and maybe a few Lesser Scaups. And all of our common birds were around too. Definately well worth a visit.
LIke always, you can click on these photos to see larger versions on Flickr. And you can view (too) many of my MINWR photos in this album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/albums/72157627776386723
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Your visits, comments, and likes are very welcome and a big motivator for me. Be kind, take care of yourselves and each other. And if you can, make some photos!
©2022, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved
Very nice images Ed. I particularly like the golden light on the pelicans.
Thank you Jim. I like the pelican photo too.
Another vote for the Pelicans! Terrific warm light really makes it a special photograph.
The header is simply lovely! Time of day certainly makes a difference.
Every time we schedule a trip to the east coast, life interferes! We better go pretty soon or I’ll throw a tantrum.
Thanks Wally.
I hope you don’t have to throw a tantrum. They’re heavy and I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself!
Ed
I would love to drive over there sometime! The colors of the sky and water sure make a beautiful photo! Love the Spoonbill too….it’s my favorite FL bird but we rarely see it over here. Enjoy your weekend. Stay warm!
I think you’d like the place, Diane. The best time to visit is in the winter.
Spoonbills are a favorite of mine too – I alway enjoy seeing them.