Reflections along Black Point Drive

Green heron and ugly twin

Anhinga on alert

Early morning rest

This osprey did not like us taking his pic so he flew away

ORMOND BEACH, FL - -  Some days you get lucky.  On trips to Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve earlier in the year we didn't find hardly any birds...and those we did see were common every day type.  Friday (11/22) was very different.
     In less than a quarter-mile into the 5-mile Black Point loop we came upon the first of at least 6 green herons.  We normally count seeing one green heron a good day.  Of course seeing and being able to get good pics of the shy birds are two different things.
     Black Point Drive winds through marshy wetlands,  ponds with mangrove bush, plenty of palm trees and lots of other greenery so it's drive at 10mph (maybe) and keep the eyes peeled.  We've become pretty good at spotting birds and animals since during our summers as tour guides and transport drivers pointing out a bear or an eagle or blue heron would usually help the tip jar.
     The water was quite high along the drive so most of the good sun bathing spots were covered, but if you're a big gator you catch the sun  wherever you like.
     The osprey are all over MINWR and usually out of good photo range by camping out on top of utility poles.  Sometimes anticipation or blind luck (in this case) will get you a shot as the bird takes to the sky and you only get a lot of fuzzy half bird shots.