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.