After a great dinner at Dixie-Crossroads and night’s sleep, we met at Parrish Park in Titusville. We had some bad news when one of our group heard that Black Point Dr. was closed! We decided to check at the Visitor’s Center but first we drove W. Gator Rd. and picked up A. Avocets, a cooperative Reddish Egret flew in and gave us a good view, and one White Pelican, along with many waders. It was good to see our friend, Reesa Fassett, who has moved away, but was with her local chapter.
 We then drove to the Visitor’s Center and sure enough Black Point Drive was closed for some repair to the Cruickshank trail berm that had been washed out. So we regrouped and enjoyed the Painted Bunting pair at the feeder! |  |
We then headed to the Canaveral National Seashore but saw hardly any ducks along the way to the beach! At the beach,
Ken Spilios saw a M. Frigatebird flying high above us and we also got a few gulls and a Ruddy Turnstone, but no Gannets this time. Upon leaving, Eileen broke out the cookies and chocolate brownies which were gobbled up! When we got near the entrance, we pulled over after seeing several FL Scrub Jays and ended up spotting six or more!
Ken Spilios saw a M. Frigatebird flying high above us and we also got a few gulls and a Ruddy Turnstone, but no Gannets this time. Upon leaving, Eileen broke out the cookies and chocolate brownies which were gobbled up! When we got near the entrance, we pulled over after seeing several FL Scrub Jays and ended up spotting six or more!
One more stop on CNS, so we drove down Bio-lab Rd. until we got to the Birds! What a collection in one end of a wetland-many White Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, a few White and Glossy Ibis, a Great Egret and a Wood Stork!
We then drove to the Pumphouse Rd. and on the way we saw an A. Kestrel and Belted Kingfisher on the wires. Then, walking into the Pumphouse Rd., the ducks appeared on both sides by the 100s! We Immediately saw the Redheads and Canvasbacks, with many Blue-winged Teals, Scaup species, and A. Wigeons, with some Ring-necks, N. Shovelers, and Mottled Ducks. I didn’t mentioned A. Coots and C. Gallinules but they were well represented just about in ever body of water we saw! We then walked to the large lagoons, the East one was full of birds along the North eastern corner but the only species I could make out was Black Skimmers.
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Photos courtesy of Fred Hileman, Jim Meyer. Article by Jim Meyer & Eileen Riccio.
Black Point was scheduled to reopen on Friday. Four of our group decided to stay in order to ride the bus through Black Point. The trip lasted about 2 hours. We had good views of 6 Wilson's Snipes at the entrance plus many other species along the way. For the two days, we spotted a combined 83 species. 51 from OW and 62 Merritt.
Thank you Jim & Eileen for another memorable trip.
Fred Hileman
Thank you Jim & Eileen for another memorable trip.
Fred Hileman
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