Author Archives: makielb

Revisiting Merritt Island, Florida

Susan and I spent the day visiting some favorite places on Merritt Island. First we went to Pine Flatwood Trail, then we did Haulover Canal, Black Point Road, and the Visitor Center. We don’t come for the towhees, but rather the Florida Scrub Jays. Susan watching of the dozen jays that we found. Florida ScrubContinue reading “Revisiting Merritt Island, Florida”

Apopka WIldlife Area, Florida

We always visit the Apopka Wildlife Drive when in the New Syrma Beach area. But this year SEVAS (South East Volusia Audubon Society) arranged a special tour, via tram, to areas within the preserve that cannot be visited under normal circumstances. It was interesting getting back into areas we had never seen before. However theContinue reading “Apopka WIldlife Area, Florida”

Spruce Creek Park: Day-1

We spent a morning at Spruce Creek Park and Preserve looking unsuccessfully for a Red-breasted Nuthatch. We did have a lot of other interesting things. An American Kestrel is always nice to see perched, and not view from a moving car. Ballmoss (not a moss but a flowering plant in the genus Tillandsia). A coupleContinue reading “Spruce Creek Park: Day-1”

A day at the beach

The other day Don drove us along the beach at New Smyrna Beach. As always it was a fun time. One of the many Royal Terns that we saw. A Sandwich Tern with Royal Terns. One of the many Ruddy Turnstones that we saw. One of the many Snowy Egrets at the Ponce Inlet. Breakwall.Continue reading “A day at the beach”

Canaveral National Seashore

Yesterday we spent the morning at Turtle Mound and Eldora two delightful places in the Canaveral National Seashore that are great for seeing plants and butterflies. The first thing that we saw was a Common Ground Dove, neither botanical nor a butterfly, but nice none-the-less. This Phaeon Crescent was basking in the morning sun. Abbot’sContinue reading “Canaveral National Seashore”

Merritt Island, Florida – 2026

Yesterday we spent the day with our friend Don visiting Merritt Island. Black Point Wildlife Drive never is a let down for birds and even insects. All of the expects wading birds were present. There were a lot of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons and Tricolored Herons. There were tons of White Ibises.Continue reading “Merritt Island, Florida – 2026”

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

We spent yesterday at the wildlife drive of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina. It’s always a wonderful place to visit. The small parking area at the start is always a nice place to begin our adventure here. This huge live oak is truly an introduction to the south. Our first large sulphurContinue reading “Savannah National Wildlife Refuge”

Traveling in the south

Several days ago we started south to visit friends and see some different plants and animals. This morning I am sitting chatting with my long time friend Mark in Weaverville, North Carolina. It’s 46F outside and foggy. All of the women (Susan, Adrienne and Bev) have yet to join us, so we are having. greatContinue reading “Traveling in the south”