Chasing Birds and Sunshine: Lovely Place to Hang Out (The Middle)

Chasing Birds and Rockets: Another Day in Florida

Last time, I shared our adventures at Merritt Island, but our Florida trip had even more in store. We were lucky to find a place to stay right on the Indian River in Titusville, just a short drive from Merritt Island. I knew it was on the river but hadn't expected as great of view as we had. Our balcony looked directly across the river at NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building—an impressive sight every time we stepped outside.

Vehicle Assembly Building behind an osprey

Backyard Birding & A Breakfast Showdown

From the afternoon we arrived, there was plenty to see on the river. Rafts of lesser scaup floated by, pelicans and cormorants soared by on the breeze, and one morning, a yellow-throated warbler stopped by during breakfast. But the real entertainment came courtesy of an osprey enjoying its own morning meal on the property's boat lift.

As the osprey dug into its fresh catch, a couple of ring-billed gulls took notice. One gull swooped in, eyeing the fish, only to be met with a sharp osprey scream. But that didn’t stop it. The gull returned, playing a game of patience—each time the osprey looked down to take a bite, the gull edged closer. The moment the osprey looked up, the gull froze, as if to say, “Nothing to see here.” Step by step, the gull inched forward, waiting for just the right moment.

When the osprey was too distracted, the gull seized its chance and snatched a bite! 

That little victory  boosted confidence its because soon, two gulls were tag-teaming, each taking turns creeping closer. The osprey did its best to defend the meal, flaring its wings and squawking in protest, but the gulls were relentless. After another stolen bite, the osprey had enough and took off with its fish, hoping for a more peaceful breakfast spot. I like to think it found one, but let’s be real—the gulls probably followed.

Front Row Seats to a SpaceX Launch

Being so close to the Kennedy Space Center, we had another amazing opportunity—a SpaceX launch. We’ve been lucky enough to see a shuttle launch in the past, and I once caught a launch on a work trip. Living near Wallops Island, we sometimes see launches from there too, though from quite a distance.

This time we didn't even have to go anywhere to get front row seats. Step outside a few minutes before launch, enjoy, and then return to hot cocoa and desert.

Florida never stops being amazing.

Chasing Birds and Sunshine: A Winter Escape to Florida (The Beginning)

Every winter, my wife and I try to sneak away from the chilly Virginia weather for a few days of warmth and—of course—birding! This year, we kicked off the New Year with a quick trip to Florida before a work commitment. It had been a decade since we'd explored the Space Coast and even longer since we’d visited in winter, so we were eager to see what we could find.

A Day at Merritt Island

Our first full day was spent at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and it didn’t take long before the birding magic began. Driving in, we spotted a loggerhead shrike perched on a power line. These little guys are a rare sight back home, but a regular find in Florida.

We made our way to the Black Point Wildlife Drive, where the morning was wonderful. Right at the entrance, a mixed flock of long-billed and short-billed dowitchers gathered, giving us a chance to finally feel confident distinguishing between the two. Studying up the might before paid off and we added a lifer to start the day.

There was also this gorgeous snowy egret walking through the pond close to us. I love their yellow slipper.   

Snow Egret

Rounding a bend, we stumbled upon a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary: a massive congregation of great egrets, snowy egrets, white and glossy ibis, great blue herons, and—stealing the show—the roseate spoonbills. It was mesmerizing watching them take flight in bursts, their pink feathers glowing in the sunlight.

Ibis, egrets, and spoonbills

a friendly pair of glossy ibis and roseate spoonbill

Spoonbill and egret in flight

For the last picture above, the great egret and been flying over and the spoonbill took off and flying faster, passed the egret. 

Further along, a large flock of ducks had gathered, including a blue-winged teal and an exciting find—a Eurasian wigeon mixed in with the American wigeons. These unexpected sightings are what make birding so rewarding!

Blue-winged teal

We took a break from the car to walk one of the short trails and spotted two Florida specialties: an anhinga and a reddish egret. The egret put on quite the performance, dashing through the water in its signature, erratic hunting style. Always a treat to watch!

Anhinga drying off after a dive

Reddish egret

Green heron watching for lunch

Searching for Manatees and Flamingos

After lunch, we swung by the visitor center for a stroll, though it was pretty quiet. Then, we set off to Haulover Canal in search of manatees. A few made an appearance, but they were mostly teasing us with quick glimpses before disappearing again. On the river side of the canal, we also tried (and failed) to spot a reported American flamingo—no luck this time!

A Second Visit & A Colorful Surprise

A few days later, after a failed attempt to see manatees at Blue Springs (a two-hour car line? No thanks!), we returned to Merritt Island for another round of birding. This time, the visitor center feeders had a special treat—painted buntings!

Merritt Island never disappoints. This refuge is truly one of the crown jewels of the National Wildlife Refuge system, and it was definitely a highlight of our trip. (Well, at least until our last day, but that’s a story for another time...)

[Editorial help from ChatGPT; all photos taken by Bryan Barmore]