Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
White Ibis (Eudocimus albus). The one in the foreground an immature bird?
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga).
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) - formally known as the Louisiana Heron.
Moorhen, Gallinule, Waterhen, Swamp Chicken or Marsh Hen (you take your pick of names)(Gallinula chloropus).
Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula).
American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) - large semi-aquatic crocodilians.
American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) - large semi-aquatic crocodilians.
American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) - large semi-aquatic crocodilians.
On the left an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga).
Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella).
A burrowing Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus).
A burrowing Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) doing a little landscaping.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis).
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritu).
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis).
Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga).
Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus).
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula).
View from Black Point Widlife Drive.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula).
MANATEES
Reaching 13 feet long, these slow-moving aquatic marine mammals are always a unique sighting. Inhabiting mostly shallow marshy coastal regions, these herbivores can also grow to 1300 pounds as well. Affectionately known as “sea cows,” these creatures propel their way through the waterways by use of a huge paddle-shaped tail. A great spot to hopefully see these magnificent animals is the north end of the Merritt Island NWR and its dedicated observation deck overlooking the Haulover Canal. It’s also a great place to witness dolphins at play.
