As has been the case with all of the places we’ve visited, I’ve continued to be completely distracted by the wildlife. As I’ve mentioned before, we’re very near the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and in a marina that’s fairly remote, on a barge canal that connects the Indian River/ICW with the Atlantic, crossing the Banana River on its way. Since there is virtually nothing walking distance from the marina, we’ve had the bikes out a lot, often for grocery shopping etc, but occasionally just to take in some of the wildlife. We spent a late afternoon at Kelly Park on the Banana River on the east side of Merritt Island. Several of the bird photos below are from there, as well as the baby gator.
We also spent a morning at the Ulumay Wildlife Preserve a bit south of us… found that our bikes, although fine on the road, don’t do as well off road. We did have a fun pelican encounter though. We’d stopped at an overlook for a bit, and a pelican came to check out the bikes, or to check out us, I’m not sure which. He/she (again, how do you know?), hung around for awhile, and when we got ready to leave, the pelican and Mike had a bit of a bonding experience. Wish I’d have had a video camera. Mike waved his arms, then the pelican flapped it’s wings. Mike waved his arms again, and again the pelican flapped its wings. It was quite a show, and I’m not sure who tired of the dance first.
And of course, wildlife abounds at Harbortown Marina itself. I still haven’t seen the gator for myself, but did get some good shots of a couple of manatee who found a dripping hose on a boat up our dock… they apparently have a preference for fresh water when it’s available.
Take a look…
That Pelican looks keenly interested. Mike may want to think hard about dancing with the wildlife especially when it’s wearing its breeding plumage.
Thanks for the lovely bird shots and prose.
Mike was probably thinking of making a tasty pelican stew.
Love all the pictures of wildlife. Sounds like a wonderful location to be in for nature viewing.
Great wildlife pictures. I particularly like the Pelican dance. You go Mike.
Cute little bikes. They don’t look sturdy enough to work too good off road though.
Great pictures. Looks like you got a Tilley Hat Great for sun protection. Sounds like you all are having a great time.
Dad
Referring to the photo in the Kennedy Space Center post, in fact it is a Tilley and it is great for sun protection. Mike and I each have one. I haven’t had occasion to test it’s claim to float, but Mike’s in fact did float when it went for a swim at Cub Lake in Michigan a couple of years back. Great hats.
Enjoyed your shots of the birds!
Sounds like you are having a great time. Love the pics.
Deb and Chris