Merritt Island NWR

Water Birds of the South: The Common Ones

One of the birding hotspots on the Space Coast of Florida is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge provides habitat for over 1,500 species of plants and wildlife. NASA purchased this land in 1963 and has the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manage all areas not currently in use by the Kennedy Space Center for its operations. It is a birding mecca with a 7 mile auto tour for easy access to viewing areas for water birds.

10 species seen at one spot on the Black Point Wildlife Drive: Roseate Spoonbills, Glossy and White Ibis, Lesser Scaup, Little Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, American Avocets, Greater Yellowlegs and Common Gallinule

A very common bird in Florida, even found foraging on urban lawns, is the White Ibis. White Ibis seem to be adjusting well despite the continued development. Its populations are holding steady throughout the south.

White Ibis picking prey off the surface of the water with their tweezer-like beaks

The Refuge also had a healthy population of Glossy Ibis. They are more scarce and skittish than their cousins, but in the Refuge, they were everywhere and provided good looks as long as you did not get too close.

If the lighting is right, the Glossy Ibis plumage will shine.

Glossy Ibis bringing up a crustacean with its pincher beak. Northern Shoveler duck in the background

A water bird of the marsh and mangroves is the Common Gallinule (pronounced ga-luh-nool). A year-round water bird in Florida, there are populations that nest as far north as central Minnesota.

A beautiful marsh bird - the Common Gallinule - is abundant at Merritt Island NWR

A similar species, the American Coot, is a bird we see often in Minnesota during migration. It is wintering here in Florida.

The Refuge’s auto tour provides great viewing of Florida’s plentiful assortment of herons and egrets.

Tricolored Heron

Little Blue Heron

Snowy Egrets

Last but not least in any way is the Great Blue Hereon