Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands

Sunday 18th January
Today was my first full birding day and we decided to go to the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera, near Melbourne in the state of Florida. We had a brilliant day with some clouds, a light breeze, a good light with a warming sun and plenty of birds.
This area consists of four shallow, man-made marshes surrounding a deep lake, with earthen berms that allow access. The function of these wetlands is to polish reclaimed water from a nearby treatment plant. The access roads allow freedom of movement between the lagoons which is ideal for walkers, runners, and also allows good viewing from cars. It is very user friendly and it has to be a must for anyone enjoying birdlife.
Our all time American bird list is not that great and was only enhanced by a few digits in this wonderful location.
We spotted a Killdeer on the way to the gate and vultures both Turkey and Black were always around. It was interesting to see the Turkey Vultures flying low over the reeds much as a Harrier would do. We even saw one land and walk around. We also had a very good view of a Black Vulture as it was perched on a fence post.

Limpkin- this one walked along the road.

Some egrets and herons were easy, but there were several of the species that we did not see.
So the list is :-
Large Blue (Grey to us)
Little Blue
Little Blue - immature in all white
Tri-coloured
Egrets were:-
Large
Snowy
Cattle.

White Ibis - adult and immature
Glossy Ibis

On the water there was hundreds of Coot with some Moorhen
Ring-necke Ducks in good numbers with both male and female present.
Northern Shovellers - two females
Pied-billed Grebe
But the stars of the day were a pair of Hooded Mergansers that we watched for a long time and came close enough for Michelle to photograph. What a smart looking pair these were.

Belted Kingfisher
Fish Crow

Loggerhead Shrike was also viewed easily, close up and often.
Red-winged Blackbirds - both female and male
Red-bellied Woodpecker

Great-crested Cormorants
Anhingas

Two Red-shouldered Hawks were perched in the distance.
(An absence of other raptors was disappointing, but maybe another day as we intend to go to nearby Merritt Island).
We watched two very active Terns- photo is on FB for an identification, we hope. They could be Forster's.

On the way home several groups of Wild Turkey and five Sandhill Cranes.