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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is part of the Cape Canaveral \u2013 John F. Kennedy Space Center complex.\u00a0 The Refuge is quite large, spanning over 500 square kilometers.\u00a0 It contains a number of different habitats, ranging from seashore to marshlands to lush forest.\u00a0 As a result, there are a number of bird and animal species to view and photograph.<\/p>\n
The Wildlife Refuge is located on the east coast of Florida, on the outskirts of the city of Titusville.\u00a0 It is accessible via a number of entrances.\u00a0 The main entrance is located off of I-95 via Route 406.\u00a0 So, this will take you through Titusville, along the Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, and into the Refuge.<\/p>\n
Gates open at sunrise, and close at sunset.\u00a0 The visitor center is open from 9am to 4pm daily.<\/p>\n
The last couple of times I was there, entrance was free.\u00a0 Generally, I go the third week of February, which corresponds to President\u2019s day.\u00a0 At other times, the fees are reasonable at $5 per day per car.\u00a0 Please keep in mind that the rate can vary depending on the size of your vehicle.\u00a0 Check the Refuge\u2019s webpage, read the signs, or talk with the park Rangers, for further information.<\/p>\n
The weather is reasonable in the park, pretty much all year.\u00a0 Average temperatures range from a low of 10 degrees (Celsius) in January, to a high of 30 degrees (Celsius) in August.\u00a0 But, check your favorite weather website for specifics.<\/p>\n
As mentioned, the Merritt Island NWR is huge.\u00a0 So, you’ll have to drive to the various attractions located within.\u00a0 Some, you will simply view from your vehicle, others will require you to get out and walk.<\/p>\n
The majority of roadways are paved, and in good condition.\u00a0 The Refuge also has a number of gravel roads.\u00a0 Some are well groomed, others are not.\u00a0 In my experience, the best photo opportunities are often located down the ones that are not.\u00a0 For these, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is invaluable.<\/p>\n
Finally, use caution when exploring remote locations.\u00a0 you’ll find alligators and snakes in most areas.\u00a0 Often closer than you think.\u00a0 As an example, I had waded out into a shallow pond in order to get some shots of a Great White Egret.\u00a0 I got the shots I wanted.\u00a0 But as I turned to exit the pond, I noticed a number of six to eight foot Alligators sunning themselves on the beach about 20 meters to my right.\u00a0 I had not seen them on my way in.\u00a0 And while an Alligator is unlikely to attack you out-of-the-blue, stepping on one that is submerged could be dangerous.<\/p>\n
Merritt Island is home to a large number of bird and animal species.\u00a0 I have personally photographed many of them.\u00a0 Along the seashore, you will find Osprey, Ring-Billed Gulls, White Pelicans, Brown Pelicans, and Killdeers.\u00a0 In the marshlands, you will find Alligators, Armadillos, Little Blue Herons, White Ibis, Great White Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Tri-Colored Herons, American Coots, and Wood Storks.\u00a0 \u00a0In the lush forest areas, you will find Wild Pigs, Bald Eagles, and Red-Shouldered Hawks. \u00a0Most can be photographed with modest equipment.\u00a0 You simply have to have the desire to go looking for them.<\/p>\n
In terms of specific areas, I have found Black Point Drive to be the most productive.\u00a0 It offers a combination of open water, wet grasslands, and marshlands that attracts a lot of different species.\u00a0 The seashore is also productive, and the gravel road that heads north between the main entrance and the Kennedy Parkway.\u00a0 In these spots, the wildlife is accustomed to vehicle traffic, and will sit very close to the road.\u00a0 Take care though.\u00a0 Sharp noises, such as your car door closing, can scare them away.<\/p>\n
And lastly, there is an area where you can view Manatee in their natural habitat.\u00a0 But, I have never seen one here, and I have been to this area several times.<\/p>\n
To summarize, Merritt Island NWR is a great place to photograph wildlife.\u00a0 There are a number of different habitats available, each offering a unique adventure. \u00a0Take your time, and enjoy some of the best photo opportunities that Florida has to offer.<\/p>\n
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