Day 6: Thursday, February 27
We slept comfortably in the RV after much needed showers last night. The new mattress for Bill's side seems to be working well for him. The new black-out curtains for the front are also a success. They install inside the front windows, so we don't have to install the heavy exterior cover and deal with it wet in the morning.
We left for Merritt Island NWR around 10:30 and found the Visitor Center closed. It appears that the remodel which started last year is a complete rebuild. I wonder if it will ever be completed given the actions of the current regime.
We saw the expected Ospreys and American Egrets on the drive out; a Bald Eagle flew overhead as well as a large flock of Black Vultures. When we turned toward Haulover Canal, I spotted a very large flock (50-100 birds) of white pelicans flying circles over Mosquito lagoon.
At Haulover Canal we saw at least 3 manatees up close and at least a couple more across the canal. I say at least because I can never be sure if I've seen the same one more than once. We also viewed a very large yacht going through the draw bridge one anhinga actively fishing. Temperatures will be in the high 70's today and sunny; conditions are great!
From Haulover Canal we drove to Bio Lab Road. We can usually count on at least a few alligators on this drive. We saw quite a few birds and just 3 gators. I identified 12 species of waterfowl but no white pelicans:
Cormorants Tricolor Heron Purple Gallinule Glossy Ibis Little Blue Heron Coot Wood Stork American Egret
Snowy Egret Glossy Ibis White Ibis Roseatte Spoonbill Anhinga.
After leaving Bio Lab Rd, we found a shady spot for a leisurely picnic at the Hammocks Trailhead. (Hammocks are slightly raised islands in a swampy area. We have walked this trail before, but not today.)
On the way to Black Point Wildlife Drive, I spotted a Belted Kingfisher perching on the utility wire. They are so distinctive that they can be id'ed with a glance.
Black Point Drive yielded 14 different species (not counting many duck that I couldn't see well enough to id and small birds that I didn't even try):
Tricolor Heron Little Blue Heron American Egret Glossy Ibis White Ibis Snowy Egret Anhinga Blue-winged Teal Coot Black Skimmer Northern Shoveler Lesser Yellowlegs and the ubiquitous Black Vulture and Osprey.
No Spoonbills on this drive, which is unusual. All the other species we have seen here consistently. This is late in winter and many of the waterfowl have flown back to wherever home is. I think I counted 21 different species of waterfowl, vultures and birds of prey. We spent almost 5 hours at the Refuge.
Kevin joined us for dinner at el Leoncito, our favorite Titusville restaurant featuring Cuban and Mexican food. I had fried whole red snapper, served with tostones, black beans and rice. A real Caribbean treat, it was delicious even if overcooked a bit.
Link to today's photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sZ5GVUBupXq4Ykhh8
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