Great Egret Relaxing at Black Point Dr.
“This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.” (Psalms 132:14 KJV)
Dan and I took a short break and drove to the east coast of Florida and spent two nights. On Tuesday, we drove through Merritt Island’s Black Point Drive. I was reading their page and it says, “The 7-mile, one-way drive follows a dike road around several shallow marsh impoundments and through pine flatwoods. This provides an excellent place to see waterfowl (in season), wading birds, shorebirds and raptors. Alligators, river otters, bobcats, various species of snakes, and other wildlife may be visible as well. A self-guiding brochure (available near the drive entrance) will provide information on things to look for. Driving time is approximately 40 minutes.” [emphasis mine] That 40 minutes is for those who are just viewing birds. Those of us who are birdwatchers and photographers have hardly gone halfway in 40 minutes.
We enjoyed seeing many of the wintering birds this time. Last time we visited, the ponds were almost dried up and so had the birdwatching. Much better this trip.
Zoomed in on Great White Egret
As those of you know who have been following this blog, that I am dealing with a back issue and will probably need surgery in a month or so. The benefit of visiting this place and Viera Wetlands, which we did on Wednesday, is that I can watch and take pictures from the car, or just step outside. That is what I did, so some of the shots may not be the best. I appreciate those of you who have been praying about my back. My MRI isn’t scheduled until the 26th of Jan. [insurance issue] At any rate, I trust that my adventure will encourage those of you who have health issues, to go ahead and figure out a way to still enjoy the Lord’s blessings in nature.
This Snowy Egret was trying to shuffle up a fish – Enlarge video to see the shuffling better:
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19 KJV)
Most of the views are quite distant, but I always enjoy the challenge of trying to zoom in an catch some of these critters. Surprising, even at these distances, you can ID the birds.
Here are some of the photos that I took. Dan doesn’t have his ready yet.
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- Red-Shouldered Hawk
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- Great Blue Heron
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- Grebes by Lee at Merritt Island WR
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- Anhinga Drying
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- Anhinga Drying
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- Glossy Ibis Landing
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- Great Egret out in Pond
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- Great Egret Zoomed
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- Great Egret Relaxing at Black Point Dr.
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- Mixture of birds
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- Mixture of birds at Merritt Island NWR by Lee
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- Shovelers and Pintail
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- Mixture of birds
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- Northern Shoverler by Lee at Blackpoint Dr. Merritt Is. NWR
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- Northern Shoverler
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- Northern Shoverler
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- Northern Shoverler by Lee at Blackpoint Dr. Merritt Is. NWR
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- Northern Shoverler
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- Northern Pintail
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- Blue-winged Teals
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- Roseate Spoonbill by Lee at Merritt Island WLR
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- Roseate Spoonbill
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- Roseate Spoonbill
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- Alligator tip to tail hanging out
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- Alligator zoomed
I will have more of our trip later.
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Previous trips to Merritt Island:
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 