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A splash to our right caused us to reflexively look in that direction, although we knew the source. An Osprey rose from the lake’s surface with a small catfish, shook off excess water and flew to a nearby pine tree limb to enjoy her finny snack. She and her mate have been busy with their annual home-improvement project. Soon, the branches will have been arranged in a manner which she approves, a few leaves and soft Spanish moss will add just the right texture and muted decor suitable for the nursery. For now, though, plenty of protein is needed to ensure Mom remains healthy.
It was about 30 minutes past sunrise and it was “cold” this morning. “Chilly” if you are a southerner but not a native Floridian. “Pleasant” if you live in the nation’s mid-section. Downright “balmy” if you reside in the Dakota’s. Florida’s average winter temperature is around 61 F/16 C. This day dawned at 45 F/7 C. The good news? No wind.
In her inimitable common-sense philosopher fashion, Gini pondered why our world’s incredible technological advances have not yet figured out a way to make a copy of this morning’s weather so we can duplicate it on demand during the second week of August. In my inimitable no-sense ignoramus fashion, I had no answer.
Realizing, once again, that we could not solve the weighty problems besetting the universe, we kept calm and carried on. The sunrise over Pine Lakes was delicious as a few clouds and light mist above the water’s surface added a bit of drama to the scene. Although we are in the middle of winter migration, most of the birds we encountered on our short visit today seemed like old friends. A Great Blue Heron in the buffet line at Picnic Lake, the Loggerhead Shrike at the dove field (annoyed at our intrusion, as usual), the male American Kestrel which was too busy hunting to notice us, Cattle Egrets, Red-shouldered Hawks – all common birds. All uncommonly attractive.
It was, for us, a fairly short morning. After about an hour, we realized it was still cold. We had been enjoying ourselves so much, it just didn’t matter.
Gini agreed that every morning should start like this. How could I argue? Sunrise over Pine Lakes.
When the water is too deep for wading, the Great Blue Heron doesn’t mind standing on a fence rail until breakfast appears.
Yes, he was exasperated that we interrupted the hunt to take his picture. The Loggerhead Shrike was just SURE we would never spot him behind that huge tree trunk.
Florida’s version of autumn color includes the feathery leaves of Cypress trees becoming rusty.
North America’s smallest falcon is the American Kestrel. This colorful male simply doesn’t care that the utility pole does not make a photogenic perch. He only cares that from up there he can spot a grasshopper hiccup at a hundred yards.
(Western) Cattle Egret, all beak and no cattle. It’s okay. He’ll find plenty of breakfast items from which to select as he marches through the weedy pasture. This individual is beginning to show a bit of breeding plumage as portions of head, breast and back feathers will soon turn more golden. These are such abundant birds in our area that it’s difficult to believe there were none in North America prior to 1952.
A patch of golden jewels swaying in the slight late morning breeze beckoned us closer. Narrowleaf Silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), a member of the Aster family, often dies back during late winter months. We have had no days of below freezing temperature, so this group is happy to keep shining on ’til Spring. We are happy they decided to do so.
Perches for birds can be anything handy. A bale of hay, for example. An immature Red-shouldered Hawk appeared to spot some movement, but she eventually began to scan the area again as we left her in peace.
We found a few tourists out and about this morning as well as our regulars. This Palm Warbler was in a group of about two-dozen. They will remain until mid-March when they will begin their return to northern breeding areas. We’ll miss those wagging tails.
Years living in upstate New York and north-eastern Germany provided these two native Floridians a renewed sense of appreciation for Florida winters. We loved playing in the snow and teaching our kids to swordfight with icicles. However, the Sunshine State is our home. We are – content.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
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Although she didn’t ask any questions, I could tell Gini was curious about my frequent checks of the time. Very uncharacteristic of me, as I normally don’t adhere to a schedule. Today was different.
We had thoroughly enjoyed meandering along Black Point Wildlife Drive, lingering at spots where we could observe so many birds going about their daily business of survival. The wind was now barely a breeze, the thermometer reading was more in line with a Florida January day, we were able to “unlayer” jackets and sweatshirts and we looked forward to exploring other areas of the vast Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve.
Another check of the time. Almost 1130. Okay. Heading in the right direction.
Portions of the refuge have spots similar to those we encountered along the wildlife drive. Mixed fresh and salt water marsh with areas of open shallow water ideal for wading birds and dabbling ducks. We had seen a half-dozen Reddish Egrets this morning and we came upon one more who insisted we observe her intricate and impressive dance routine. It almost made us late, for a very important date.
Unbeknownst to my bride, last night I checked the Cape Canaveral website and discovered there was a launch scheduled today for 1207! A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket would carry Northrop Grumman’s 21st Cygnus cargo freighter on the 20th operational cargo delivery flight to the International Space Station. After the egret’s dance recital, we had to hustle a little bit to find a suitable viewing spot. Catfish Creek provided good line of sight from a point along the bank toward the launch pad about ten miles away. At 1208, I started to grumble about how a rocket couldn’t even be launched on time when the keen-eyed Gini pointed: ”There it goes.” So much for my science classes. I forgot about that thing that says it takes awhile for sound waves to travel, so while I was expecting to hear the roar of the engines, the space vehicle was well on its way to the heavens before we were engulfed in thunder. Fortunately, I managed to snap a few pics before the thing was out of sight.
Following our picnic launch, we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade of huge oak trees at a nearby trailhead. One more venture for the day had us rolling along Biolab Road which is adjacent to Mosquito Lagoon, an inlet of the Indian River. More birds, butterflies and the first damselflies of the year. (No suitable pictures. Sorry.) The day ended with a pair of magnificent Bald Eagles which very likely have a nest nearby.
Oh. And a very bad tree.
Reddish Egrets are nothing if not entertaining. Watching them feed really does give you the feeling there is a choreographer at work. They wade along gingerly, turn their head sideways to reduce glare, hold a wing out to provide shade for unsuspecting fish, flap furiously to scare fish into moving and run like a track star to chase and grab their prey. And end the whole thing looking ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!
Out to launch.
Shhh! Black-crowned Night Herons need plenty of rest in order to prepare for life after dark.
The American Ornithological Union keeps promising to rename this species “Ring-billed Duck”. The Ring-necked Duck would appreciate it if they got a move on.
A Lesser Scaup visiting for the winter is similar in appearance to the Ring-necked Duck above but has a different body and bill design.
We are always reminded of large airplanes when we watch a Brown Pelican soaring just above the water.
Now, we encountered one of nature’s mysteries: The Strange Strangling Case of the Felonious Fig! Florida is the only state which harbors that fugitive from botanical justice, Ficus aurea, the Strangler Fig! This wicked plant often begins life as an innocent epiphyte growing among the shady limbs of an unsuspecting tree. Eventually, the sinister strangler begins to wrap its unloving arms around its host eventually penetrating the trunk, stealing nutrients and growing into a healthy tree while the host tree withers away. Although the small figs produced may be edible, I can’t find much reference to their use, except by wildlife. Don’t be sad. There aren’t that many of these criminal trees around so your Cabbage Palm or Scrub Oak should be safe. For now!
A Killdeer checks the beach to make sure it’s okay to dose off for a bit.
We found a pair of Bald Eagles along the lagoon. At this time of year, they probably have a nest either completed or nearly so. Handsome birds.
You may think we had a full day at Merritt Island. You would be absolutely correct. Can’t wait to do it again. Y’all should visit if you have a chance.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
(Click images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
“All that water looks really shallow but if you wade out in it you would probably completely disappear in the soft mud.”
I’m still trying to work out if Gini was being scientific or making a suggestion.
Indeed, the average depth of the water throughout this portion of Merritt Island National Wildlife Preserve is from six to ten inches. There are a few deeper potholes where diving ducks can sometimes be found. The shallow water, abundant grass, replacement of nutrients and other food by tidal activity – it’s no wonder so many birds are attracted to this area.
We have reached the half-way mark in our excursion around seven-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive. It is now about 0900, the wind has calmed a bit and the temperature has climbed to about 60 F/16 C. Wading birds seem to be everywhere. Flocks of ducks, pelicans, ibises and spoonbills criss-cross the sky. These kids have met their candy store.
To give you an idea of the numbers of birds enjoying this small portion of the 140,000 acre refuge, expert birders report on that day they saw: 200 Blue-winged Teal, 120 Ring-necked Duck, 250 Lesser Scaup, 75 Northern Shoveler, 80 Northern Pintail, 1000 American Coot, 450 Common Gallinule, 75 Pied-billed Grebe, small numbers of Hooded Merganser, Gadwall, Mottled Duck and Ruddy Duck. The variety of additonal birds was also incredible. The average number of species reported for that day was over 50.
Other areas of the refuge had even larger numbers of some duck and wader species but overall less diversity. This does not even take into consideration the song birds in the woods nor shorebirds and pelagic species on and near the beach.
The next couple of miles were filled with pink and white. The final portion of the wildlife drive begins to blend marsh and upland pine woods. Things to see and enjoy were almost overwhelming. Almost.
It’s easy to understand how the Northern Shoveler received its name. The male has spectacular plumage.
We couldn’t convince any of the male Hooded Mergansers to show off their dazzling white crests. That’s okay. He’s still quite handsome.
All around the marsh are small hammocks among the mangroves, typically including cabbage palms, slash pines and wax myrtles.
Pink warning. We saw over three dozen Roseate Spoonbills during the morning. Unique birds.
On the far shore of a pool we watched a large group of waders feeding. Included were: Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis, Wood Stork, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, American White Pelican and Snowy Egret. A fly by of a Bald Eagle caused a sudden evacuation.
Unlike their Brown Pelican cousins, who dive from the air in pursuit of prey, American White Pelicans often hunt cooperatively. They form a line or circle, flap their wings to herd fish into shallow water and then scoop up a meal. Contrary to popular belief, they do not scoop up a fish and fly to a perch with it, but rather consume it as it’s caught.
Wood Storks march down a canal, stirring the mud bottom with a foot and snatching anything that moves.
Occasional flowers provide a colorful relief to the brown and green of the marsh. Here’s another Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella). We don’t often see a bloom which is mostly yellow.
Potholes, marsh grasses, hammocks – lots of tracks in the mud confirm this is Wild Pig habitat. In the past, we have seen quite a few of the critters in this spot.
Not many predators will challenge a full grown wild pig. Oh, here are a couple who will. American Alligator. The marsh is their happy place. Watch your step.
Even on a winter’s day, Florida offers a few insects for our viewing pleasure. A bright Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) was as happy as we were to find blooming Indian Blanket.
As we neared the final portion of the wildlife drive, a Tricolored Heron plying the shallow waters around the mangroves offered a fitting farewell.
It has been an outstanding morning in the marsh. Birds everywhere, alligators, scenic beauty, butterflies. What more could we ask? We have worked up an appetite. Coming Next: Picnic Launch.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit.
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In the near-dark, Common Gallinules were gabbling and the calls of distant gulls confirmed we were near the coast. Weather reporters, excuse me, nowadays they prefer to be known as “Climate Experts”, advised it would be chilly and nearly calm this morning. “Chilly” to a native Floridian is below 70 F/21 C. The prediction of 42 F/5.5 C was accurate. The wind was ripping at 15-20 MPH. Not “calm”. Result = Cold Couple.
Gini and I made the cross-state drive to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR)* in the hopes of seeing a few migratory birds and to enjoy the diverse habitat found within this very special place. Thanks to Gini’s prowess in smashing alarm clocks, we were able to sneak by the Land of the Mouse and the neighboring neon lights of Orlando’s associated venues designed to attract tourists as so many moths to the flames of eternal entertainment. (Why are all those lights burning at 0500?) There was plenty of traffic, but it was headed into Orlando as we were exiting the metropolitan morass.
Our trip occurred on January 30, 2024. It’s hard to believe we’re finished with the first month of our brand new year.
MINWR was established in the early 1960’s from land which had been acquired to support the mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As development of the Cape Canaveral launch complex proceeded, the southern portion of the area was set aside for a wildlife refuge. Today, more than 140,000 acres is managed for the protection of a myriad of natural resources. It’s a great place to visit any time of year but the vast amount of marsh, fresh and salt water as well as beach front is especially attractive to migrating waterfowl.
Sunrise. Just prior to dawn, the eastern sky displays an amazing variety of subtle hues. As the sun breaks above the horizon, its amazing brilliance takes your breath away. Golden light paints a picture of a perfect day waiting to be explored.
After enjoying a cold, but rewarding visit to Gator Creek to watch the dawn spectacle, Gini and I headed to Black Point Wildlife Drive. This is a seven-mile one-way trip through shallow water marsh impoundments and pine flatwoods.
There will be three posts describing our visit. Hope you enjoy it a fraction as much as we did.
We enjoyed watching the sky being painted with pastel layers just prior to sunrise. The building near the center of the image is NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building.
Don’t forget to turn around when enjoying a sunrise. This is the edge of Gator Creek where we were standing to watch the dawn. The creek is an inlet of the Indian River. The moon was a bonus.
A pod of three Bottlenose Dolphins hunted in the creek as the Sun pointed out where to find the fish.
The dawn’s early light gives a Tricolored Heron a special glow. I’m not sure he’s ready to be up just yet as the stiff breeze ruffles his head feathers.
As we entered Black Point Wildlife Drive, it looked quite different than when we visited about a year ago. (First image now, second then.)
January. Wildflowers. Pleasantly surprised. Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella).
Typical marsh habitat. Among all that grass are pockets of water where all sorts of water-loving birds can hide.
A Great Egret reflecting on what to have for breakfast.
This adult Little Blue Heron found a snack. Seems like it would take a lot of snacks that size to satisfy an appetite.
The Glossy Ibis uses its uniquely shaped bill to probe soft mud for delicious delicacies. Yum!
Try to get a portrait of a Snowy Egret and you get photo bombed by a Little Blue Heron.
Second try for the Snowy Egret was successful and even managed a bit of a display of its namesake “aigrettes“. Spring is near.
Ol’ Blue Eyes. White Ibises numbered in the hundreds throughout the day.
Winter migration offers a chance to see the Bonaparte’s Gull. They are small and almost resemble terns more than gulls. Unlike most gulls, they nest in trees. They are named for a fellow who contributed quite a bit to North American bird studies, Charles Lucien Bonaparte, a cousin of some sort of general with the same last name.
Immature Little Blue Herons remain mostly white during their first year, develop patches of slate-gray and by their second year achieve the solid color of an adult. Fish – it’s what’s for breakfast.
Dozens of Osprey dropped from the sky to snag fish wherever there was water.
We have made it to the half-way point of the wildlife drive. The sheer number of birds has been amazing. Up next: Marsh Madness.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
*https://www.fws.gov/refuge/merritt-island
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Standing still, eyes closed, head tilted one way then another. I hear the distant call of a Red-shouldered Hawk, the guttural “caw-caw-cawwww” of American Crows, trumpeting Sandhill Cranes, a raucous Blue Jay, the hammering of a woodpecker on a dry limb. Gini’s superior hearing adds a calling White-eyed Vireo, the clear whistle of a Tufted Titmouse, a Carolina Wren, an upset squirrel and the distinct bass notes of a Barred Owl.
What we did not hear was significant. Try as we might, we could not detect any sound of the presence of humans. No traffic noise, no music, no sirens, no voices.
All of the above summarizes why we come here. Colt Creek State Park. We have mentioned it often on this blog because it is a place we frequently visit to explore and relax. The fact that it is less than 30 minutes from the house doesn’t hurt.
The park consists of over 5,000 acres adjacent to Florida’s vast Green Swamp. Nearly 15 miles of trails offer something for hikers of every skill level. Efficient management keeps the park in excellent condition and rangers, like our favorite, Sunny, are knowledgeable, friendly and quick to offer suggestions on where to find what we came to see. (It helps that Ranger Clark is an outstanding nature photographer and knows where the good stuff is hiding – and shares!)
Longleaf pine forest, stands of mixed hardwood trees, swamp, cypress domes, open fields, lakes, creeks – did I mention is was quiet here? Mix in our top three favorite subjects: birds, blooms and bugs, and is it any wonder we love this place? Each season offers something special.
A typical winter day a couple of weeks ago had us marveling at the fact there were flowers blooming as well as insects buzzing around said flowers. Resident birds were trying to play nice with dozens of cousins visiting from more northern climes. It was apparently “get in free day” for Red-shouldered Hawks. Gopher Tortoises raced across the roads, White-tailed Deer frolicked at the edge of the woods, River Otters splashed in the creek.
Yeah. We really like it here.
Just beyond the park entrance, we almost always see a Red-shouldered Hawk perched on a pine tree limb. Must be the official greeter.
Several spots still had blooming Rice Button Aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum), although some had already gone to seed.
The park has wet places all year around so it was not difficult to find fungus among us.
Migratory Savannah Sparrows find the seed variety at Colt Creek to be spectacular.
A pair of Red-shouldered Hawks appreciate the park staff planting long-leaf pines not too long ago which have now reached the perfect height for a perfect perch.
Look closely in the brushy understory and you might discover the pretty fruit of Shortleaf Wild Coffee (Psychotria tenuifolia). Don’t get too excited about trying a cuppa, though. It isn’t related to the incredibly aromatic delicious and addictive stuff which I am sipping as I type.
Hover flies. Flower flies. Syrphid flies. There are over 6,000 species in the Syrphidae family worldwide and over 800 in North America. There are some really interesting-looking specimens but, for me, identifying specific species is futile. So, I just look at them. You can, too.
(The second one is about half the size of the first. Both are on a Groundsel Tree (Baccharis halimifolia).)
Threatened and on the run! Okay, the first part is true. Florida lists the Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) as a threatened species. It is the only tortoise in North America found east of the Mississippi River. That second part – although the tortoise is deceptively quick at times, “running” is not really part of their vocabulary. Nor mine.
Fairly common in this area, a Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) seeks a bit of nectar from a late-blooming Groundsel Tree (Baccharis halimifolia).
We like saying the name as much as we like looking at the flower. Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa). Also called Powderpuff, this beauty is much better behaved than its relative, Sensitive Briar (Mimosa quadrivalvis), which has stems covered in nasty thorns.
One more Red-shouldered Hawk. This one enjoying the recently baled hay.
Obligatory image of an American Alligator. (All blogs in Florida are require by State Law to include at least one ‘gator photo.)
Not content to provide a bright Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) for you to enjoy, we included one resting on an Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella). You’re welcome.
Speaking of bright. The incredible red flowers of the Coralbean (Erythrina herbaria) may be gone, but the shiny seeds resting within their dark pods are like little beacons of light on a December day.
A Tree Swallow cruises Mac Lake among the warm colors of the reflected shoreline.
We’ve been fortunate lately to catch a few of the small butterflies known as “Blues” (Family: Lycaeninae) displaying their upper wing coloration. Here is a Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) showing its under wing (which we most often see) and its beautiful blue upper wing.
The highlight of today’s visit was the enounter of three River Otters (Lontra canadensis). My understanding is winter is typically mating season for Florida otters. Also, new otters may remain with their mother for over a year. So, I don’t know what these three were: Mom and two kids, Mom and Dad and kid, three males, three females, rogue gang. Whatever their common bond was, we really enjoyed watching them hunt, swim, sun and gawk at us gawking at them.
We hope you have a spot similar to Colt Creek State Park near you. A place where you can find solace from our modern lifestyles and accompanying noise. Somewhere to relax and become part of your natural surroundings. If you can’t find such an oasis, you can visit ours any time.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Additional Information
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park
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