A few from Merritt Island

After spending the morning with the scrub jays, I visited Merritt Island NWR in the late afternoon. I'd never been there before so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I did manage to find a few photography opportunities.

This looks like an ibis of some sort. I thought it might be a glossy ibis, but it doesn't match with photos I've seen. Unfortunately I don't have a field guide with me, so maybe someone here can help me out.

Gorgeous shots Liz.

Excellent series, I really like the Heron and reflection.

Great shots! Terrific subjects and man are they sharp!

Very nice series here Liz! The heron gets most of my attention.

Liz Good ID's and excellent shots

Nice shots Liz. I use to live in Florida, but never had a camera then. I do know one thing though, you can't walk around just looking up, or your going to walk into a snake.

Thanks all! So does anyone know what type of ibis that is, and if the heron is tricolored?

It appears to be a juvenile white ibis, starting to get some of its white feathers.

sparker1 wrote in post #7169215
It appears to be a juvenile white ibis, starting to get some of its white feathers.

Thanks for the ID!

Also meant to say, the heron appears to be a tri-color. A white belly is a good indicator.

Cool, thanks again! I saw so many birds that I couldn't identify, especially waterbirds.

Nice gallery, BTW!

gymell wrote in post #7169381
Cool, thanks again! I saw so many birds that I couldn't identify, especially waterbirds.

Nice gallery, BTW!

Liz, I usually go in the back entrance to Merritt off of A1A in Oak Hill. There is a dirt road to the right called Old Oak or Oak Rd that winds on a dyke through the waterways so you have ocean on one side and swamp on the other. Picture opportunities everywhere. The road was rough in spots but I did it ok in my Infiniti sedan, not a 4-wheel drive. I wouldn't stand too close to the water--there are gators!
Karen

Nicely done. Agree that it's a juvi white ibis and a tri-colored.

Was over there Wednesday and it was real slow. Water levels are the lowest I have seen in years and just a few months ago the roads were closed from flooding from Hurricane Fay, go figure

If your still down here the largest birding festival in the U.S is going on this weekend in Titusville.

Great shots!