Wild Moments at Merritt Island: Eagles, Flamingos & Reflections 🏝️🦩🌊

Volume 3, Issue 11 • March 26, 2025

Hello fellow wanderer!

Last week, I returned to one of my favorite places in Florida—Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. It was raining the last time I was there, and I wasn’t sure what to expect this visit, but it was one of those rare days when everything aligned just right. By the time we arrived, it was mid-morning, and the light was bright with a mostly cloudless blue sky. The air was still, and the wildlife was incredible. From a soaring eagle to a surprise sighting of flamingos, the refuge was buzzing with life. I even ended the day with a peaceful walk along Cocoa Beach.

Are you ready for some highlights—and photos!—from the adventure?

High-flying roseate spoonbill coming in for a landing

Merritt Island NWR Revisited

There’s something about returning to a place you’ve already explored—especially when it’s like Merritt Island, where the landscape always has something new to show you. We arrived mid-morning, and the first thing I noticed was how quiet everything was. Not silent—just peaceful. The kind of quiet that makes you slow down, listen, and see what is in front of you.

Not long into the drive, I spotted a bald eagle perched high on an old utility pole, beautifully lit by the morning sun.

We pulled over immediately (with an awkward scramble for my camera), and I snapped away. I missed it taking off, but I imagine it gliding effortlessly, wings spread wide.

I didn't have "see an eagle" on my bingo card, so it was a special moment!

Our next stop was the Allan Cruickshank Observation Tower. One of the visitors center volunteers suggested it as a spot to see an eagle nest, but we didn't find one.

Instead, we witnessed one of the few remaining roseate spoonbills flying in to look for dinner {pictured above}!

I don't know what happened to his bill, but it didn't slow him down in his search for dinner.

Of course, a trip to Merritt Island isn't complete without spotting at least one alligator. I saw several sunbathing along the banks—one particularly large one didn’t even blink as we passed by on the motorcycle.

This guy found the perfect spot to enjoy the cool water and the warm sun together.

It’s always thrilling to see them, even when they’re just lounging in the sun like scaly statues.

Next, we headed to Haulover Canal. I hadn't been there last time, so I was eager to experience it.

This spot is famous for manatee sightings, and with the water warming up (they prefer it at 70°, just like I do!), we were hopeful to see one finally.

Much to our delight, we found about a dozen swimming in the canal!

I found this tri-colored heron on the hunt for food. He was looking in the wrong direction because that little black spot in the lower right was (I think) a snake!

But that reflection! Wow! The water was so still that it looked like a mirror image.

I haven't seen many tri-colored herons this season, so it was great to spot this one, looking picture-perfect.

“A good photograph is knowing where to stand.”
— Ansel Adams

Behind the Shot: Photo of the Week

Reflections in still water – Flamingos meet photographers!

This image was taken with my Olympus OM-1 Mark II paired with the M.Zuiko 150–600mm lens, fully zoomed in. The flamingos were about a quarter mile away, balanced peacefully on one leg in the shallow water. I shot this handheld (yes, really!) and was impressed with how steady the lens felt, even at full extension.

What caught my eye was the stillness of the water—it created this mirror-like reflection that felt too perfect not to try capturing. I loved how the boat in the scene added a little context and scale without distracting from the subject.

What's Next?

We will spend a few days boondocking in the Tampa area before heading to Peace River Thousand Trails. Oh, and BIG NEWS! I am working remotely to help a company back in Oklahoma implement systems and processes to expand its manufacturing business. I will be able to use my LEAN training to make these as efficient as possible, and so far, it is exciting to dust off these skills.

Enjoying This Newsletter? Share the Love!

If you’ve been finding value in these emails, chances are someone you know would, too! If you think a friend, colleague, or fellow traveler would enjoy this, I’d be grateful if you passed it along.

Word-of-mouth is the best way for this community to grow, and I genuinely appreciate every share. Thanks for being part of this!

Until next week!