Merritt Island NWR Field Trip Report
January 15, 2025
January is peak time to observe over-wintering waterfowl in Florida. With that in mind, our group headed to Merritt Island NWR, one of the state’s premier birding spots. Led by Doris and Steve Brookens, our group of 11 enthusiastic participants had a wonderful day of birding. Many in the group were first introduced to Merritt Island by long-time SLAS field trip leaders Hart and Jewel Rufe. Hart passed away on January 14, 2025, the day before our trip. Our memories of Hart were top of mind throughout the day.
We began on Black Point Wildlife Drive, where 18 Wilson Snipe immediately welcomed us. The normally inconspicuous shorebirds were feeding in plain sight on the shallow mud flats. Other highlights of the drive were 9 species of ducks including a single rare Eurasian Wigeon, a group of American Avocet spinning in a circle to feed, Reddish Egrets madly dashing after fish, Roseate Spoonbills sweeping their bills back and forth, and the calmer open-billed feeding style of Wood Storks. Near the end of the drive, 150 Snowy Egrets lined the canal on the side of the road, seemingly bidding us farewell.
We then made a quick trip to Haulover Canal Kayak Launch for distant but satisfying views of two American Flamingos which have been there since Hurricane Idalia blew them in from the Yucatan Peninsula in 2023. Two species of large pink birds in one day!
We ended the trip at Parrish Park on the Indian River where we saw lots of Lesser Scaup and 2 Rudy Ducks. By this point, it was so cold and windy that participants opted to eat lunch in the warmth of their cars. We tallied an incredible 76 species!
You can see the eBird trip report here.
Submitted by Doris Brookens