Merritt Island NWR ~ Blackpoint Wildlife Drive

Just mosey on over ~ White Ibis with several Roseate Spoonbills

Northern Shovelers

Hooded Merganser

White Ibis

Little Blue

American Alligator

 

Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

Anhinga

Cattle Egret

Glossy Ibis

Common Gallinule

Reddish Egret

Blue-winged Teal

Christmas, Fl ~ Orlando Wetlands

I haven't been to Orlando Wetlands since 2017 and in that time there have been some changes.  The volunteers now run all day long tram tours lasting about an hour that explain the function of the wetlands and show off the different trails that are available to walk.  The birds are still very close as are the alligators.  Don't the volunteers say there has never been anyone attacked by an alligator so that's a great thing!

Common Gallinule

Wood Stork

Roseate Spoonbills

Anhinga

Anhinga

Anhinga peeking around the tree as an alligator swims into her territory.

Marsh Wren

Little Blue

 

Red-shouldered Hawk

Black Vulture

American Alligator

Polk County, FL ~ Circle B Bar Ranch Preserve

Northern Parula

Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Black-crowned Night-heron

Common Gallinule and chick

Green Heron

Roseate Spoonbill

Polk County ~ Circle B Bar Ranch Preserve

Great Egret

Roseate Spoonbill nipping at the alligators tail

Alligator taking offense to the nipping of his tail

Purple Gallinule

Swamp Sparrow

Polk County, FL ~ Circle B Bar Ranch Preserve

American Alligator watching us!

Lots of birds and other animals around Circle B to see.  What a great place.

Sunning Turtles

Sora  was the best bird of the day found by Bernie 

Purple Gallinule

Roseate Spoonbill

Snowy Egret

Snake

Merritt Island NWR ~ Wildlife Drive

Tricolored Heron with Roseate Spoonbills

White Ibis

Always eagerly anticipated is a drive along the impoundments at Merritt Island.  Today, was no exception but I was dismayed to find that it is much drier than 2016. Almost all of the left-hand side has dried leaving hardened earth behind with only a few pools of water.  How sad for the wildlife who depend on the water and the life it provides like weeds and fish.  I was excited to find 3 Roseate Spoonbills feeding in the afternoon sun along with other birds.  In all though I feel the overall number of birds is down over 2016.

Glossy Ibis

Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill