Merritt Island and More…
We got up early on Super Bowl Sunday to head over to Merritt Island NWR. There was some dense fog as we got close, but it burned off quickly and was a great day. There were several Black Skimmers doing what they do, skim the water. Also an Eagle feeding session and then up the road a bit to a newer Eagle nest that gave us some great photos…
Black Skimmer gazing into its reflection as it skims the water for fish
The still water made for a nice reflection of this Skimmer
A trio of Black Skimmers over the water
In between the Skimmers was a lone Roseate Spoonbill that flew in.
Another close flyby of a Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer just keeping the upper part of its beak above the water
As the Skimmers pull up, they bend their head back in a last drag across the water
There’s the top beak almost touching the water
Ring-billed Gull flying in with a couple of friends in the background
Green-winged Teal swimming around
Morning isn’t The best time light wise to see the Great Horned Owl nest on Black Point Drive. However, you can see how they blend in and are so difficult to see.
One of the Eaglets on the SR3 nest getting a bite to eat from one of the adults
Hungry little Eaglet getting more food
A little bit up the road from Merritt Island is another Eagle nest that is in a great position to get very detailed photos
Are you looking at me?
Just up the road, a large Snapping Turtle was crossing the road. Someone in a car stopped to make sure it made it safely across the road
One of the Eaglets woke up and took a look around…
… soon after its sibling woke up too
Look at me stretch my wings
These wings can get big! The flight feathers are starting to come in.
Listen to me sing!
Getting a little closer to the edge for more of a look around
Better move out of the way! Here comes dad with a new stick!
Bald Eagle moving around after landing with a stick
The Eaglet is very interested in what dad is doing with the stick
A couple of hot Eagles! Temps were stating to get into the lower 80’s
The Eagles watching some hawks and vultures fly overhead
Back at Merritt Island there were a pair of Eagles in the trees along Bair’s Cove
The other Eagle was stretching its wings
Eagle pair in a tree on Bair’s Cove
This is the time of year for a lot more action as the young birds that hatched recently are hungry and growing bigger. Lots of feeding runs right now. Soon there will be branching and first flights! Check back for all the fun!