Spring of 19 - #3 - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Alligators, Vultures & Manatees,

Wednesday April 17th, 2019
We had a relaxing day in today.  Bryan rested his knee and we did laundry.

Thursday April 18th, 2019
We started of at the Merritt Island Wildlife Association

We went into the Visitor Center and got a map of the Black Point Wildlife Drive, which is a 7 mile drive through the refuge.  The young lady also told us about another drive and the Manatee Observation Center, that she said was her favorite place to watch the manatees.  She said they should still be around there.  

There was a walk just outside the center, which is where we started.  This Osprey nest was the first thing we saw.

Oranges growing on this tree

Dragonfly

Lizard

Another lizard

It was a nice short walk but we didn't see anything exceptional.  Oh well, we continued on to the Black Point Wildlife Drive.  

We stayed in the car, for the most part, and drove around.  There was a lot more wildlife here.  I'll let you look at the pictures.

I was continually looking for alligators and eventually spotted one.  They were well disguised.

Love this picture, it doesn't look real. But real it is.  Thanks Bryan

Another alligator. He was on my side of the car and Bryan got out to take a picture. Don't worry he wasn't that close.  Bryan was amazed that I had even spotted him.

I see you

Look at the length of him.  His body goes out of the picture on the left.

His snout is to the right of his eye, most of it under water with the end just poking out of the water.

Here's a closeup

Back on the trail............

Dragonfly

Bryan spotted the final alligator we saw and I don't know how he saw it but there it was.

We didn't see any more alligators but saw these pretty birds.

and these ugly vultures, who were feasting on a wild hog carcass by the side of the road.

We enjoyed our drive through the refuge.  We took our time and drove slowly through and were happy with what we saw.   We decided not to do the other smaller drive and headed to the Manatee Watching Area.

The Manatees can be seen here at the Haulover Canal.

Haulover Bridge opening for a boat to come through.

Pelicans supervising the process

We didn't have to wait long until we saw the manatees.

The bubbles/ripples you see are an indication that the manatee is there.

We spoke to a couple who were on their first day of vacation from England.  Bryan pointed out the manatee to them and they told us they were going to Cape Canaveral tomorrow.  We spoke about it a little and told them to enjoy their vacation.

On our way home we saw some windsurfers and stopped to get some pictures.

Back on base a C130 was in the wash rack waiting to get a bath.

Back at home, the pelicans were basking as the sun started to set.

It was yet another awesome day out exploring.