Black Point Wildlife Drive – Birding-Palooza
Birders on the East Coast of Florida are intimately familiar with Black Point Wildlife Drive in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. We toured it over the weekend and spotted at least thirty species of birds, including a few local treats.
The drive is a seven mile long, one way loop that stretches deep into the marshes and ponds that dominate the refuge. You’ll find about a dozen observation spots along the route. They are highlighted in the park brochure which can be picked up at the self-service kiosk at the entrance.
In the winter, there are flocks of migrating birds around every corner. We saw terns, gulls, shovelers, mergansers, egrets, herons, coots, scaups, anhingas and more. Our favorite spotting were a Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks. We also spotted one very well-fed alligator that stretched out to about nine feet.
There’s plenty of other wildlife along the drive, but most of the other species are hit or miss. On a prior tour we spotted a Bald Eagle and a bobcat. Friends have spotted turtles, snakes, hogs and armadillos.
If you take your time and relax at a few of the large ponds, you can easily spend an hour driving the loop. If you’re really into birding, that time can easily double. You’ll find a few pull-offs for parking, but the road is generally wide enough to pull over anywhere you desire. There are also two hikes available on the trail and two observation towers. Add in some hiking at both locations and you can easily eat up 5 hours.
The driving path is crushed limestone which is guaranteed to cover your car in a thick white haze. If you go on a wet day, plan to hit a car wash on the way home.
Admission is $10 a carload and is on an honors basis. National Park passes are accepted.
Bottom Line: Recommended for nature lovers and a Must Do trip if you are an avid birder.
Bob and Jackie
Sunshine Vagabonds
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