This is the best time of year to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. I made another rewarding trip a week ago and came home with many images I like. Here are some of them.
Clouds added a dose of drama to early scenes along Gator Creek. And with the calm winds and long exposure, the water surface doubled the golden light.
Dawn across the creek.Once it was brighter, I headed over to Black Point Wildlife Drive and one of the first things I came across was a group of Black Skimmers doing their thing. The iBird app says these are along our coast year round, but I hardly ever see them except in the winter. This one showed off some fine form as it flew right in front of me. I was able to capture a number of frames – this was my best and it’s only slightly cropped.
Black SkimmerThe header image is from the same time / place. You can view a higher res version here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/53507251801/in/dateposted/.
In Central Florida we only see American White Pelicans in the winter months. They’re very large and it’s always fun to spot them. They can be difficult to photograph. Be careful with your exposure if you want to preserve detail in their white feathers (and black primary feathers too). These four were preparing to land along the trail at the SW corner of BPWD.
Final approachThis group / pod was preening in the shallow water along the same trail near the first bird blind. I liked this framing with the mangrove in the foreground, so I made two exposures (one focused on the mangrove and one on the pelicans). Then I was able to blend them in photoshop so both are sharp.
Preening Pod and mangroveAnd two last birds, both also winter only around here. They aren’t easy to find as they usually skulk around in the mangrove roots and / or reeds along the canals or shorelines. They’re also a bit of a challenge to photograph since it’s dark back in there where they hang out! I was lucky to see them both!
Clapper Rail
Wilson’s SnipeTo close out this post, here’s a bonus landscape photo. This one is after sun up near the entrance to Black Point Wildlife Drive. I like the way the mist looks in the distance.
A little mist in the marsh this morningFor more info about conditions at MINWR, you could look at Wally Jones blog (https://ournaturalplaces.com), and the Birder’s Journey blog (https://birdersjourney.com). Both have recent articles about the refuge.
MINWR is a treasure and I’m very lucky to live so close. You should visit it if you can!
As usual, you can click on most photos in my blog to see higher resolution versions on Flickr. If you’re a glutton for photo punishment, I have (way too) many images from MINWR collected in this folder: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/albums/72157627776386723/with/52112652632
P.S. I walked around Orlando Wetlands Park for a little bit yesterday. Bird activity is starting to pick up there too! I’m planning to revisit over the next month or so and hope to catch some of the bird courting / nesting activities. They started to pick up around this time last year.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog – I really appreciate it. Stay positive, be kind, take care of yourselves and each other. And if you can, check out a NWR close to you. And make some photos!
©2024, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved
Love the landscape shot at Black Point. Plus, that skimmer capture is perfect!
Thank you Jeff – means a lot coming from you!
Good morning. Never got any good images at MINWR in 15 yrs but you certainly do.
Will be moving to the county in Alachua soon.
Thanks Kathryn. I think it helps that I’m so familiar with the area now. Makes it easier.
I’m not too familiar with Alachua, but I bet you’ll find a lot of interesting things to do there.
Outstanding photographs, Ed!
I really like the header image. Looks like they’re skimming among the clouds. And that last landscape truly captures the essence of the refuge in the morning. Looks like a painting, only better.
Thanks for the link to our blog. Hope to return very soon.
Thank you Wally – you’re very kind.
Skimmers are a special photo op, especially when the water is calm.
I’m happy to link to your blog – you have a tremendous amount of good info there.
Yes, the beauty is real and the birds are there!
Yes and yes!
Your misty landscape image is outstanding! I think it is beautiful!
Thanks Lisa. I like that one too.
The photos with reflections are superb! I love seeing the beautiful birds and the calm water there. I would love to visit if I can figure out how to get there without going through so much traffic! lol Thanks for sharing. You take the best photos!
Thank you Diane! The water was calm that morning.
MINWR is worth seeing. Especially this time of year and especially if you’ve never been there before. But the traffic can be horrible through Orlando. Don’t know what to tell you about that.
My favorite is the pelicans coming in for a landing! makes me smile!!!
I followed that group with my lens as they came in and I was very happy when I got home and saw this frame. I never know what I’ll see out there!
Your photos are just wonderful, Ed! Thanks for the shout out to my blog and for mentioning Wally‘s blog as well. Always love to see images from other visitors to these wonderful birding spots in Florida!
Thanks again Carol. I stop by your blog regularly and I agree – it’s great to see other images from our favorite places.
You’re very welcome for the shoutout and thank you for posting such wonderful photos and info.
Ed