Tag Archives: Viera Wetlands

Walking Snowy Egret Showing Off Yellow Feet

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Snowy Egret at Merritt Island NWR 1-1-2019 by Lee

Dan and I went over to the east coast of Florida during the New Year holiday. We were able to do some birdwatching at Viera Wetlands in Viera, Florida and also went to Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve’s Black Point Dr. That is where I captured this Snowy Egret strutting with his yellow feet showing. Also saw the Snowy Egrets at Viera.

Many verses that refer to walking come to mind. Good reminders as we start the new year off. Here are a few of the verses:

“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” (Psalms 26:11 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalms 84:11-12 KJV)

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” (Psalms 86:11-12 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” (Psalms 119:3 KJV)

“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” (Isaiah 42:5 KJV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV)

Osprey Feeding On His Catch of the Day

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Osprey at Viera looking to the Creator and hopefully he is thanking Him for the fish.

“Who provideth for the raven [and Ospreys] his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.” (Job 38:41 KJV)

Dan took a couple of really nice photos of the hungry Osprey.

Now for Dan’s great photos.

Time to strip the innards! Yuck!

When we were last at Viera Wetlands, we caught an Osprey eating a fish. Apparently he doesn’t like the “guts.” We watched it pull them out and then drop them. Did that several times, and then started eating the fish.

“But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.” (1 Corinthians 15:38-39 KJV)

I am thankful that the Lord let me be born as a human. I am also very thankful that He provided salvation for our fallen sinful human nature.

What will you do with Jesus?

Other Photos by Dan

The Watch Out Better Watch Out!

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Northern Shrike at Viera Wetlands by Lee

“Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.” (Psalms 59:1 KJV)

We were back at Viera Wetlands on Monday. Not much activity going on this time of year. I had an appointment Tuesday with the surgeon, so we went over the day before. It is 100 miles to Melbourne, FL. and it breaks up the trip to take our time.

Northern Shrike at Viera Wetlands cropped by Lee

After my meeting with the back surgeon, I will be having a 45 minute corrective surgery on August 3rd. With follow up visits I will need to go over there for into fall, maybe the birds will get back down here from their summer breeding and vacation. :)

Northern Shrike at Viera Wetlands by Lee

The photo at top was taken about 150 feet or more away. I zoomed in, trying to figure out what bird was sitting on the house. It was a Northern Shrike. Yet, when I got home, here is what I discovered. I couldn’t believe that the wasp had such detail, considering how far away and in only “program mode” on my Panasonic Lumix. Wow!

Northern Shrike Zoomed with Wasp at Viera Wetlands cropped by Lee

That Shrike better watch more carefully or he might get stung.

Really cropped

Even when birding seems slow, there are always surprises awaiting us. Just like the Lord. Just when we think we are going to live with a walking handicap, a surprise corrective surgery is presented. He, the Lord, always cares about us. Stay tuned to see if this will fix the issue.

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Viera Wetlands (Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands)

Other Viera Wetlands Birdwatching Trips

Sunday Inspiration – Shrikes and Vireos

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Indecisive Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

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Shall I Go To The This Way?

Shall I Go To That Way?

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. (1 Kings 18:21 KJV)

Still Undecided As To Which Way To Go by Lee

Elijah went there and stood in front of the people. He said, “How long will it take you to make up your minds? If the LORD is the one and only God, follow him. But if Baal is the one and only God, follow him.” The people didn’t say anything. (1 Kings 18:21 NIrV)

Just About Decided

Elijah challenged the people: “How long are you going to sit on the fence? If GOD is the real God, follow him; if it’s Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!” Nobody said a word; nobody made a move. (1 Kings 18:21 MSG)

This Black-bellied Whistling-Duck was undecided about where to go. There were quite a few Whistling Ducks at Viera Wetlands, and they were playing “musical palm tree stubs.” They kept landing on these tree tops and chasing the other off. Yet, this verse comes to mind.

I trust all of us are decided about WHO we are going to follow.

Now for a picture of a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck by Dan [the much better photographer]

Black-bellied Whistling Duck by Dan

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a large, gooselike duck with a long neck, long legs, and short tail. In flight, look for their broad wings, long neck, and hunched back.

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are dark overall: a chestnut breast and black belly are set off by a bright-pink bill and legs, grayish face, and broad white wing stripe, also visible in flight. Immatures are duller than adults, with a dark bill, pale breast, and mottled black belly. [Info from All About Birds]*

When I Am Grown

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Young Gallinule at Viera Wetlands

On the Fourth of July, yesterday, we were at Viera Wetlands, Viera, Florida and spotted this young Common Gallinule, depending on what they are calling it. Look at its feet. He/she has some growing to do to fit those feet.

Below is how it will look when it matures.

Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus) by Reinier Munguia

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalms 37:25 KJV)

Another promise our Savior and Creator has given us. Lord’s Blessings.

Common Gallinule – All About Birds

Shield of Thy Salvation

Which “Rail” Family Bird is This?

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King Rail (Rallus elegans) Viera Wetlands 12-26-17 by Lee 2

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.” (Psalms 9:10-11 KJV)

Dan and I visited the east coast of Florida last week for several days. The first day, we stopped in to look around Viera Wetlands. It was around noon, and not the best time to view birds. It was quiet, but there is always something there to see. It was closed for some time after Hurricane Irma, and this is the first time we have been able to check out the birds there since then.

Knowing your common and local birds is important for birdwatching. Then, when something out of the ordinary appears, it may well catch your eye. As is the case with this bird. At first, pouring over the bird books and software, I thought it was a King Rail. If it is, then it would be a new LIFE bird for me. Now, I am not so sure what it is.

It appears to an immature bird, and most likely in the Rail Family. I would appreciate any who could leave a note with the correct ID for this bird. Here is another photo. Both of these were zoomed in and also cropped.

King Rail (Rallus elegans) Viera Wetlands 12-26-17 by Lee

Thankfully, as the verse above says, I do know the Lord’s Name and have put my trust in Him. Also, He knows our name. Now, if I just knew this bird’s name. :)

*** My First Bird of the Year was a House Finch at our feeder. ***

If you want, you can leave your 1st Bird of the Year below.

Tiny Birdwatching and Back Doctor Visit

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Young Northern Mockingbird at Click Ponds

“Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.” (Psalms 103:22 KJV)

On Thursday, we were in Melbourne, Florida to see a back Doctor to see if he could do my very much needed surgery. After driving over on Wednesday, we went to Vierra Wetlands in the morning, to do a little birdwatching while waiting for the appointment. When we arrived, they had a rope across the gate for cars, so I stayed by the car while Dan walked up to see what birds he could find. [It was open to walkers and joggers]

Immature Little Blue Heron

With camera in hand, I just had to catch what flew by, but the Lord always sends some of His avian wonders near for me to see. Three prize photos were this bird that gave me a fit trying to figure out what it is. After scanning my Birding Guides and then Google photos for about 20 minutes, I found out that it is a juvenile Little Blue Heron. Yes!

Another prize was a Loggerhead Shrike who decided to sit on a palm tree nearby. My 600 mm zoom sure comes in handy when you can hardly stand, let alone walk closer.

Loggerhead Shrike

After our sort of disappointing birdwatching, we drove to the Click Ponds, across the street, and it was totally dry. Nothing found other than this young Northern Mockingbird. My third prize. They are as dry in Melbourne, as we are in the central Florida. We are in severe drought conditions throughout most of the state.

Young Northern Mockingbird at Click Ponds

Well, after lunch with friends, we went to the Doctor. PRAISE THE LORD! SURGERY IS GOING TO BE SCHEDULED A.S.A.P. THANK YOU FOR ALL WHO HAVE BEEN PRAYING WITH ME ABOUT THIS!

When the Doctor saw my MRI, he said, “WOW!” It is the worst slipped disc he has seen in a long time. Said it hurt to even look at it. Wondered how I lasted this long. [My local doctor no longer does this kind of surgery that I need, so, I have been searching for a doctor to do the surgery. One could see me, but not until July 17th. This doctor was scheduled for June 9th, but, Praise the Lord, they had a cancellation while I was chatting with them, and I saw him Thursday. He was very positive about fixing it. I had soft bones when I had the last surgery and they only put in one rod. Technology has changed in the last few years and if they are too soft, they insert something like concrete to strengthen the pedicles.

Slipped L4 Disc Image cropped

I’ve said all this for several reasons. One is to ask for prayer for the upcoming surgery and that it is set up SOON! Also, that all goes well and the recovery goes well. Also, if the blog gets a little off, not to be concerned. I plan on scheduling the devotions ahead of time but will try to keep you informed.

I am so thankful for all the Lord has been doing in this situation. He is so Faithful! Also, the new medicine I was given is easing my nerve pains. YES! I was getting to where I could hardly walk. That is why there have not been many birding adventures to write about. There hasn’t been any. :(

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:15-17 KJV)

Most of these photos are cropped obviously.

Sunday Inspiration – Vacation 2014

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Peacock at Magnolia Plantation by Dan

Peacock at Magnolia Plantation by Dan

 

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath Day. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,  (Psalms 92:1-2 NKJV)

Even though our vacation didn’t go according to “our” schedule, the Lord gave us some great blessings. He, the Lord, had a way of placing the right people in our path to help us. Only He could orchestrate those encounters. May we never forget to give the Lord credit for his blessings to us.

We were able to still see Patriots Point and Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, Merritt Island NWR, Brevard Zoo and the Viera Wetlands and the nearby Click Ponds. The slide show has some photos from those places.

** Some how I forgot to finish this Sunday Inspiration. We took our vacation several months ago. The song Sean is playing, “It Is Well With My Soul” seems to be even more appropriate today. I have been dealing with a walking and now pain issue. I start two days a week of physical therapy next week for almost two months. As I told the therapist Friday, “even though I am dealing with all this, I am trying to maintain a good attitude.” How can I do that? Because, It Is Well With My Soul.” I know the forgiveness for my sins because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for my sins and yours. Have you asked for His forgiveness? Please keep me in your prayers and Sean, also. He needs it more as he is dealing with Lymphoma.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 KJV)

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“It Is Well With My Soul” by Sean Fielder

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More Sunday Inspirations

Gideon

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Birdwatching Trip Titusville – Dec 2013

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Blue-winged Teal Viera Wetlands by Lee

Blue-winged Teal at Viera Wetlands by Lee

This last Monday we made a 90 mile trip over to the Titusville area. We visited the Viera Wetlands and the Brevard Zoo and then on Tuesday we drove up to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge before heading back home.

Tricolored Heron Viera Wetlands by Lee

Tricolored Heron Viera Wetlands by Lee

Things did not go as planned, but we had a great trip anyway. To begin with, when we got our cameras out at Viera Wetlands, Dan’s did not work. So he was without a camera for the whole trip. (Bummer!)

Great Blue Heron Viera Wetlands - Bad Hair Day

Great Blue Heron Viera Wetlands – Bad Hair Day

It was windy, overcast and the birds, what few there were of them, were staying low. Did get a great shot of a “wind-blown” Great Blue Heron. It definitely was having a “bad hair day.”

Hooded Merganser Viera Wetlands behind reeds with hood up.

Hooded Merganser Viera Wetlands behind reeds with hood up.

Hooded Merganser Viera Wetlands in clear with hood down.

Hooded Merganser Viera Wetlands in clear with hood down.

After a nice lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, we ducked into the Brevard Zoo for a couple of hours. Got a few nice photos, since Dan used my camera to get through the fences for me. I shoot in Program mode, so I take lots of pictures of fences and cages and few photos occasionally of the birds. (As you can tell by the two photos above)

Wrinkled Hornbill female Brevard Zoo by Dan thru the cage

Wrinkled Hornbill female Brevard Zoo by Dan thru the cage

I captured a photo of the male at the first visit to the Brevard Zoo.

Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) Brevard Zoo by Lee

Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) Brevard Zoo by Lee

The next morning we drove up to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to the 7 mile Black Point Drive. There were only four cars, counting ours, on the whole drive. Again, it was windy, which we thought was supposed to be less than the day before.

Reddish Egret MINWR Black Pt Drv by Lee crop

Reddish Egret MINWR Black Pt Drv by Lee crop

There were not many ducks or birds of that type. We found out from one of them driving around that the salt level is too high, thus the lack of ducks. Usually this time of the year, there are plenty to see. We did manage to find some Hooded Mergansers with some American Avocets (rare for me).

Hooded Merganser and American Avocet MINWR Black Pt Drv by Lee crop

Hooded Merganser and American Avocet MINWR Black Pt Drv by Lee crop

Not to be discouraged, we found other birds to view and see an alligator about 12 feet long. That is one of the joys of going on a birdwatching adventure. You never know what you will see or not see. It is alway different. Even going to a zoo with the same birds, there is always something interesting to see. The Lord gives us:

The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 NASB)

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See:
Viera Wetlands

Brevard Zoo

Black Point Drive – MINWR

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Birdwatching Adventure – May 2013

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Sunrise at Patrick AFB by Lee

Sunrise at Patrick AFB by Lee

And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, … (2 Kings 3:22a KJV)

We just got back from a spontaneous three day trip down to the Palm Beach Zoo, (Palm Beach, FL) and up to the Viera Wetlands (Viera, FL) and then back home yesterday. As we rode along and since I haven’t been driving because of my eye situation, I kept a list of the birds along the way. The list below was the ones I reported to e-Bird. This includes the birds that were at the Zoo, but not captives. Our loop took us down US 27 and then back up I-95, through Orlando and back across I-4 to Winter Haven. Not a bad list. The ones in bold were special finds. In fact, the Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Bank Swallow were added to my life list. I am now at 245 on their list. The list was kept for each county we went through. (It gave me something to do while riding.)

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Muscovy Duck (Domestic type)
Indian Peafowl (Domestic type)
Wood Stork
Magnificent Frigatebird
Double-crested Cormorant
Anhinga
Brown Pelican
Least Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Cattle Egret
Black-crowned Night-Heron
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
White-faced Ibis
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Swallow-tailed Kite
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Sandhill Crane
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Crested Caracara
American Crow
Fish Crow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Boat-tailed Grackle
House Sparrow

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) Immatures at Viera Wetland by Lee

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) Immatures at Viera Wetland by Lee

The Viera Wetlands count is included with those above, but is the individual count just for Viera. That actually was a birdwatching destination and e-Bird likes it counted separately. It is one of our favorites over on the east side of Florida. Unfortunately, it has apparently been dry over there, plus most of the Winter Birds have gone back north. So, the birding wasn’t as plentiful as normal. Here is the list of the birds we saw.  We stopped there in the afternoon on Wednesday and then visited it again Thursday before heading home. We saw 23 species altogether .

Species Name 15-May 16-May
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck 2 —
Anhinga 9 6
Brown Pelican — 2
Least Bittern — 1
Great Blue Heron 8 6
Great Egret 10 14
Little Blue Heron 1 1
Tricolored Heron 1 1
Cattle Egret 11 15
White Ibis 7 7
Glossy Ibis 2 7
White-faced Ibis — 1
Turkey Vulture 1 15
Osprey — 2
Common Gallinule 5 13
American Coot 8 4
Belted Kingfisher 1 —
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 —
Crested Caracara 1 —
Fish Crow 1 2
Red-winged Blackbird 10 12
Common Grackle — 3
Boat-tailed Grackle 18 22

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Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) at Viera Wetlands by Lee

Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) at Viera Wetlands by Lee

The Crested Caracara was the best find. We had taken our photos and had stopped at the exit to put our cameras away. Dan had his in the trunk and mine was bagged when I look up and there he was right by us on the ground. Needless to say, we scrambled to get the camera back out, hoping we wouldn’t scare it off. As you can see, we got the photos of him.

I will save the Palm Beach Zoo birds and photos until another post. I took over 700, so it might take a day or two.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Watching young nearby by Lee at Viera Wetlands

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Watching young nearby at Viera Wetlands

Here is what is being watched so closely:

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Young by Lee at Viera Wetlands

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Young at Viera Wetlands

See:

Viera Wetlands

e-Bird Home Page

Wordless Birds

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Birdwatching Trip to Viera Wetlands – February 2-3, 2012

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Alligator on bank at Viera Wetlands

Alligator on bank at Viera Wetlands

We enjoyed our visit to Viera Wetlandslast week. Good thing we went then, because we are both sick this week. (Not from the trip.) But we are on the mend. “The wetlands are a popular site for birders, photographers, and eco-tourists.  The entire wetland system is accessible by automobile, making the site popular among those who find the rigors of hiking trails and summer temperatures daunting.  Even better, viewing the site from one’s automobile serves to screen visitors from birds and widlife, enhancing the experience.” They have 4 Cells and a Lake which have a berm around them. You drive on the berm and that gets you right up to the birds. (If they cooperate)

This was not our first visit to the wetlands, but it is 100 miles from home, so it is not something we do frequently. Other than a few different birds we have almost the same ones right here at the Circle B Bar Reserve (only 4 miles from home).

Here is a list of the birds turned in to eBird for the two days we visited the wetlands:

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) with Hood up by Lee

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) with Hood up

Mottled Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Wood Stork
Double-crested Cormorant
Anhinga Viera Wetlands
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Crested Caracara

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) by Lee at Viera Wetlands

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) by Lee at Viera Wetlands

Common Gallinule
American Coot
Limpkin
Sandhill Crane
Caspian Tern
Royal Tern
Belted Kingfisher
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
House Wren
European Starling
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Savannah Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Boat-tailed Grackle

39 total birds seen that I can identify. If I include the rest of the birds spotted there in Brevard County including the wild birds at the Zoo and Beach, then the count goes to 52. The additional birds include the Brown Pelican, Black and Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Pine Warbler, Northern Cardinal and Brown-headed Cowbird. Other than the Caracara, Sanderling, and Ruddy Turnstone, I have seen the rest in Polk County, where we live.

Does that mean, I wouldn’t go back, NO WAY! I love going over there to the Wetlands because every time you go, there are different birds waiting for you to discover them. That is what birdwatching is all about. Also, Brevard County has the Merritt Island Wild Life Refuge and other great birding places.

There had to be well over 1,000 American Coots out there. What amazed me was how they would all huddle together in long streams of them. This was just one of the smaller groups. Some were hundred of Coots long.

American Coots at Viera Wetlands

American Coots at Viera Wetlands

I am not sure what this Coot did, but it appears the Northern Shovelers are escorting him out of their area.

Coot Surrounded by Shovelers at Viera Wetlands

Coot Surrounded by Shovelers at Viera Wetlands

Managed to get a close-up of a Boat-tailed Grackle sitting on a sign.

Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) at Viera by Lee

Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) at Viera by Lee

It seemed a little dryer than on previous visits. Looks like they could use some rain. It does make an effect on what birds are present by the water levels. Was a great visit.

I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (Psalms 50:11 NKJV)

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Birdwatching Adventure to Brevard Zoo in Viera, FL

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Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) Brevard Zoo by Lee

Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) Brevard Zoo by Lee

We had a delightful and interesting visit to the Brevard Zoo in Viera (Melbourne), Florida on Friday the 3rd. We were over there also visiting Viera Wetland (2nd & 3rd) (article to come) and also went to the Atlantic shore for a few minutes that evening (the 2nd). Some of the highlights were that Galah landing on Dan’s camera. See Just Back From A Birdwatching Adventure – Viera. Luckily I had my own camera and was able to “capture the moment.” What was so interesting about that Galah is that he (or she) had become intrigued by Dan’s camera. A child tried to offer it some of the liquid they sell to feed the birds, but no, the camera was more interesting. (This picture is not good, but it show the action)

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) trying to off juice.

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) trying to off juice.

Then the Galah hopped up on his camera.

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) Hopping on the camera

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) Hopping on the camera

What a gorgeous color and nice bird.
Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) Cockatoo - Brevard Zoo

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) Cockatoo – Brevard Zoo

In that same area I got a great picture of a Laughing Kookaburra. Couldn’t get it to laugh, but I tried. Sure the others around thought I was nuts, but who cared.
Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) Brevard Zoo by Lee

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) Brevard Zoo by Lee

The photo at the top was a challenge to photograph. My camera is a point and shoot on program mode. Do you know how many fantastic photos I have taken of fences, wires, cages, limbs, grass, etc. instead of the bird or whatever?
White-crested Turaco (Tauraco leucolophus) with fencing.

White-crested Turaco (Tauraco leucolophus) with fencing.

With some patience and lots of tries, I can get a little better shot.
White-crested Turaco (Tauraco leucolophus) Through the fence somewhat.

White-crested Turaco (Tauraco leucolophus) Through the fence somewhat.

Here is the list of wild birds I turned in to eBird:
Walking around the Zoo – these are the wild birds freeloading at the zoo – 16 species
Mallard (Domestic type) 10
Great Blue Heron 2
White Ibis 18
Black Vulture 6
Turkey Vulture 1
American Coot 2
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Fish Crow 7
House Wren 2
Pine Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Boat-tailed Grackle 50
Besides all of those of course we saw the residents of the Zoo. All total, counting the wild birds we saw 48 of God’s wonderfully created birds. Some of them were absolutely fantastic. Even the ugly ones were wonderfully created for their purposes and place in the overall plan the Lord has for them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they (we) are without excuse: (Romans 1:20 KJV)

 **Due to my site being hacked, some of the photo links were removed**
Birds observed at Brevard Zoo:
Total observations: 48
English name Scientific name
1 Southern Cassowary Casuarius casuarius
2 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae
3 Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo
4 Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
5 West Indian Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arborea
6 Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba
7 Black Swan Cygnus atratus
8 Raja Shelduck Tadorna radjah
9 White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis
10 American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
11 Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis
12 Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus
13 American White Ibis Eudocimus albus
14 Scarlet Ibis Eudocimus ruber
15 Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja
16 Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
17 Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
18 King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
19 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
20 Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus
21 Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
22 Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
23 American Coot Fulica americana
24 Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina pavonina
25 Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis
26 Blue Crane (Stanley) Grus paradisea
27 Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
28 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
29 Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
30 Galah Eolophus roseicapilla
31 Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus
32 Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus
33 Hyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
34 Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna
35 Scarlet Macaw Ara macao
36 Golden Parakeet Guaruba guarouba
37 White-crested Turaco Tauraco leucolophus
38 Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae
39 Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus
40 Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri
41 Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus
42 Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
43 Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus
44 House Wren Troglodytes aedon
45 Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
46 Myrtle Warbler Dendroica coronata
47 Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major
48 Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

There were other animals at the zoo, but our main focus was on the birds. It is a very nice landscaped zoo and the over-all appearance was great. The critters all seemed to be well taken care of. It is definitely worth a visit to the Brevard Zoo if you are in that area. It is actually listed as being at 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940. Update: 2/11/12  –  Dan just posted his photos on his photography website. His photos at –  Dan’s Pix –  are much better than mine, of course, he has a better camera. Will be doing an article on our visit to the Viera Wetlands soon. *