Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

After a cold start at Orange Lake Country Club where the 7.15am Wildlife Walk was cancelled we looked at a small area of water where there were four Large Whites, a Snowy and an immature Blue in the company of three Woodstorks. It was a good start for the day, but after a quick breakfast we decided to go east again.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve had been recommended. We arrived just after 10 am at the Reception Centre merely to find out as much as possible about the area. The staff were incredibly helpful and this has to be the best place to start.

The feeders situated only feet away from the verandah was one location where the birds were very close for the watchers and the cameras. Painted Buntings were to be the star attractions. After a short wait Michelle photographed two males and at least three females. The former are colourful and the females a smart light green. Another first for us.
At the same feeder were a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds and they are an interesting bird to see that close up. A Chipping Sparrow appeared in an adjacent shrub and showed enough of itself to be captured for the record. Another first for Michelle.

While these were being observed Michelle was also watching for butterflies and she was able to capture four different species.

There is conservancy work being carried on here and this does include work for the threatened (but not endangered) Florida Panther. We rested our feet for about half-an-hour and listened and watched a presentation on this animal. We would love to see one and also the Bobcat. We digressed to talk about the Florida Scrub Jay. The simple question was 'Where could we find them?' It was easy. I watched a perched bird for about five minutes before it flew. Then there was one on the track only yards away and another one in the bush looking on. People walked past and they showed no fear. We had some superb views and they have been recorded.

One of the best moments of the day for me was to see a feeding Nine-Banded Armadillo in the vegetation by the road closely followed by another one. Photographed, of course.

A Red-shouldered Hawk and one Bald Eagle perched for good views.

On the way we saw four Belted Kingfishers, five Ospreys, and about a dozen Wild Turkey.

We will be there again in the morning as we know that we have much more to see.