Merritt Island NWR with Daytona Eagles and Owls

On Saturday we went to Blackpoint Drive at Merritt Island NWR. There was a good mix of birds that I had not seen the last time we were there. After that we headed up to Daytona to check on the Eagles with their Eaglets. Then we went looking for the Barred Owl nearby and found two!

Blackpoint Drive

Black Skimmer making a turn to come back to skim the water

Black Skimmer gliding just above the water looking for food

Black Skimmer getting real close during a flyby

Roseate Spoonbill flying past

A large flock of Short Billed Dowitchers on the move

American Avocet

Reddish Egret on a run

Reddish Egret slamming its head in the water in search of tiny fish

Caspian Tern lifting off with a fish

Female Red Breasted Merganser

Caspian Tern flying over with a freshly caught fish

Male and Female Shovelers

Daytona Eagles

Mom Eagle returning to the nest where her 2 little ones are waiting

The Eaglets are getting big. They’ll be full sized and flying in about a month

On the lookout, mom and little one on the right

Bald Eagles on the lookout

Siblings talking about something

Bald Eagles

Eaglet doing some wingersizing

Mom Eagle had enough hanging with the kids

Barred Owls in Daytona

Barred Owl trying to hide in the trees

Barred Owl looking down at me

This Barred Owl was much better hidden.

It’s a rare weekend off for me. Check back to see where we go tomorrow!