Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - MINWR

Shirley and I completed another shore bird survey along Shiloh Rd. in MINWR. The area is drying out from our lack of rain during the past month, but we still were able to see numerous Osprey tending their nests and diving for fish in the Indian River. Other guys that have begun nesting are the Black-necked Stilts. These beautiful birds may be seen along Black Point Wildlife Drive, Shiloh Road and Biolab Road.
Photo copyright 2008 cblakey Black-necked Stilts

Viera Wetlands: A photographer friend of mine, Bob Paty, photographed a mom and three baby River Otters recently at the Viera Wetlands. This is an excellent location for getting a look at birds and other wildlife - up close and personal. The wetlands are located west of I-95 at exit 191, north of Melbourne, Florida.

Babies at Viera

During a Birding Tour last Monday with a client, Susan W., from Scotland, we were treated to seeing, amoung other things, the following: A Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron, several baby Anhinga, a couple of very young Great Blue Heron youngsters.

The location of our morning tour was the Viera Wetlands near Melbourne, Florida. we arrived about 8:00 AM and spent several hours driving the berms seeing a wide variety of birds. Several of these were "lifers" for Susan. By the way, Susan claims not to be a "twitcher".

After a nice relaxing lunch at the La Bamba II, restaurant in Titusville, we spent the afternoon birding at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Susan was delighted to have a wish come true and witnessed the feeding flights of about a half-dozen Black Skimmers.

Other notable sights included Belted Kingfisher, a Reddish Egret ballet and several Roseate Spoonbills. Her bird list totaled 68 different species for the day.

Virea Wetlands Added to Great Florida Birding Trail

The Great Florida Trail has just added some great birding sites to their list.

New East Section Sites!
Forty-six new locations have been added to the East section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. See the list of all 46 sites here. Pay special attention to the addition of the Viera Wetlands, West of I-95 at the end of Wickham Rd. Exit 191 West from I-95 to the water treatment plant. The wetlands are just west of the plant.