 |
 |
 |
| In the waning of this glorious day Wrapped in thoughts, here I ponder The magic moments ticked away Moments of friendship, love and wonder |
| Welcome to my world, a world of beauty both physical and spiritual. Here I share pictures and thoughts... |
| Dawn is breaking, I am waking, waking to the dawn. Dawn of time, dawn of mind, dawn of breaking day. Sun is rising, advertising day has now begun. Wake you child, child of nature, my true gifted one. Turn this way, greet the day, smile and warm the sun. |
| Sitting on my perch o'er here, I gaze upon what many fear. Upon the great and gangly beast who would love to have a feast. Long and tough with teeth so sharp, don't get too close, you'll play a harp. Beady eyes peer at me, I wonder what it does see. A dinner perhaps fit for a king or a meal that takes to wing. |
 |
 |
 |
| Birding Tours at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Beginning Birding Tours are offered on most Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays starting in November and continuing through March. If you are interested in going on one of these tours you can call ahead and ask to be added to the list or just meet the leaders at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. and sign in at the desk. Though we have had lots of rain this fall the water is now receding so we are seeing more of the winter birds along Black Point Wildlife Drive. It is always wonderful to see all the water fowl and shore birds that flock to our area for the winter months. For more in formation about the refuge go to MINWR |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a pleasure to visit any time of the year. This time is so special though. The black-necked stilts are pairing up and soon will be building their nests on the mudflats. During the winter, we observed the nesting or our ealges and owls, now we watch as other species rear their young. The water levels are very low, though they shall rise again as we enter our rainy season. There is time yet for our species that breed here to enjoy the more condensed/concentrated food in the small ponds left by the receding water. Migration has already begun and many of the winter species have left the rich feeding grounds here to return to their breeding grounds. |
| Reddish egrets like the one to the left can usually be seen along the drive. They are wonderful to watch feeding as they run and stagger about sometimes lifting their wings in a tenting motion then stabbing into the water to catch their prey. It is a wonder they thrive with all the energy they expend while feeding. Woodstorks like the one to the right feed a bit more slowly, often using their pink toes to either stir up the fish or lure them closer. Both species are wonderful to watch and are often seen by those who visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.. Each birding trip has something wonderful to experience. |
| Beginning Birders' Tours Winter 2005/2006 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Our tours this season have been wonderful. In February we had as many as 73 species sighted with our groups of beginners. Some of the highlights from our tours included; watching as an eagle took a fish from an osprey in flight, having a family of scrubjays come right up to us even though we were not trying to feed them, observing young eagles in the nest being fed by a parent, and many other wonderful opportunities to observe and photograph Florida's beautiful nature.. I didn't keep track of how many guests we introduced to birding, but I can tell you that each and every tour was a joy. Sharing the excitement with folks who saw there first roseate spoonbill or one of the elusive rails they had been searching for. Simply being out in the wonderful wild places of Florida is so exciting. . The wonderful thing about these tours is that so many things are discovered in the process of introducing beginners to birding. Sharing the joy of watching a river otter play, observing manatees touching each other, sharing that moment when a guest realizes this beautiful land is in our keeping---it is here and can remain here as long as we care for it. Every time we took guests out on a tour there was something special to see. The enthusiasm is most contagious! If just 1 person catches the fever to preserve our natural wonders then I shall be well pleased. This year we have seen more than 1 person embrace the joys we have found at MINWR. Now as we enter a new season, I look forward to sharing the unique ecosystems here with locals just beginning to explore and the visitors who travel from all over the world to experience this paradise we live in. L Pond Road June 5, 2005 Ducks on the Spring Migration Count 2005 Mississippi Kite Pictures from our March 2006 Bird Tours (1Mb Power Point Show) Mystery Bird Geat Blue Herons Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge |
|
|
 |
