Another image from just after we arrived at Black Point Drive on a weird fog and light morning. This trio, an adult White Ibis, a Tricolored Heron, and a juvenile White Ibis caught the sun’s glow.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
February 10, 2025
We arrived at Black Point Drive just after sunrise and there was a lot of fog around, making a weird light. This Snowy Egret was taking a break from fishing in this little pond.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
February 10, 2025
American White Pelicans are massive birds with an amazingly graceful flight style.
There snazzy orange feet are pretty big, too.
Their landing is surprisingly quiet, gently hitting the water…
…and tucking in their wings.
Wingspan: 96.1-114.2 in (244-290 cm)
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
February 10 2025
More of the SET-TO a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate, per our friends at Merriam Webster
The bill clacking/snapping was how I first noticed there was something going on here.
There was a lot of wing flapping, too.
I didn’t even notice that the female stuck her beak in at one point.
And then it was over, the other fellow retreated to his chosen nest spot and this one started poking at the fronds and his spot again.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
February 12, 2025
A Blue-winged Teal and his reflection.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 10, 2025
SET-TO a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate, per our friends at Merriam Webster
This was brief, and most definitely vigorous, and I’d say no clear winner but it was interesting to watch.
One Spoonbill and its mate were working on a nesting spot in the upper left of this palm tree. Presumably the female of that pair stayed out of this, off stage to the left.
The other Spoonbill was on his own, trying to get a nest started on the right side of the tree. Plenty of room for everyone, until there wasn’t.
The noises they were making caught my attention as I was going down the boardwalk.
No wonder they were squawking!
I wouldn’t have been surprised to see blood flying.
This went on for over 3 minutes, and at this point I couldn’t tell which bird was which.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
February 12, 2025
Several Greater Yellowlegs were feeding with the late afternoon sun lighting them up.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 9, 2025
ID by Merlin Bird ID app
This Great Egret was really showing off on perfect blue-sky day at the Alligator Farm rookery last week.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
February 12, 2025
Eventually the Black Skimmer duo came right towards me …
and amazingly the first one turned to my left…
then lifted up rather than skimming.
The second was was following behind, giving me a wonderful opportunity for a side view of the skimming action.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 9, 2025
Long-billed Dowitcher ID by Merlin Bird ID app
Tricolored Herons were sprinkled all along the wildlife drive, including this one feeding in a shallow pool. They tend to be solitary feeders, getting into feisty squabbles if another one gets too close.
The water levels within Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are different every time I have been there. This visit there were many dry areas that previously I have seen water.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 9, 2025
