Merritt Island, Florida
National Wildlife Refuge

Florida's feathered wildlife can be spotted almost anywhere. If there's a low, swampy area at the side of the road, chances are there's a majestic, long-legged bird poking around, trying to find its lunch. So why go out of your way, to see a bunch of birds in a wildlife preserve?

I guess to a bird watcher, the question is heresy. But for the more casual wildlife lovers, I have an answer. There's something special about seeing dozens of birds--dozens of different kinds of birds, in a setting that looks a lot like it did, back in the days of the Seminoles. That's exactly what you'll find at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

There are several trails you can hike to experience nature up-close. But by far, the easiest and fastest way to see the biggest part of the refuge, is by driving Black Point Wildlife Drive, with an extended journey up L Pond Road.

Black Point Wildlife Drive

Black Point Wildlife Drive is a one-way, seven mile long dirt road, with plenty of turnouts overlooking marshlands, mud flats, ponds and hardwood forests. Stop anywhere and wait for a few minutes, and you're sure to spot a number of different kinds of birds.

When you reach the wildlife drive's halfway point, you'll find a parking area at start of the Cruickshank Trail. If you're in the mood to walk just a few hundred feet, you can climb an observation tower. If you want to walk several miles, you can traverse the entire length of the trail.

I visited the observation tower first. The high vantage point provided a good perch for peering down on the wetlands...

Wetlands

... but to tell the truth, I spotted more wildlife while on the ground.

I also took a short walk up the Cruickshank Trail. It would have been longer... but after about a half mile...

A gator in the grass

I spotted this guy, and a friend, lounging at the water's edge, on the opposite side of a narrow channel that runs next to the trail. At first, I didn't worry. I'm a Floridian, and I've seen my share of gators, most of which have no interest in eating a human. But then, as I continued to walk up the trail, I began to realize that I was quite alone, and there would be no one around to hear my call for help.

So, I turned around. Before long I spotted a gator--that same gator--swimming towards me in the channel. He was coming to get me! Both he and I stopped in our tracks, stared at each other for a while, then continued on our way. I got the message: I was on his turf. Not a problem--the mosquitoes were eating me alive anyway (despite a generous coating of DEET).

Not far from the Cruickshank Trail parking area, you'll spot a turnoff for L Pond Road. I found this to be the most interesting part of the journey. The road is narrower than Black Point Drive, and a little rougher (but should be passable in any type of car). Eventually the road wound its way to the edge of Dummit Cove (off the Indian River), running across a narrow berm of sand and shells which, in some places, dropped off into water on either side.

Birds & dead trees, L Pond Road

The skeletons of dead trees stuck out of the water, providing perches for plenty of birds.

In a strange way, L Pond Road reminded me of the narrow mountain 4x4 roads of Colorado. Except, of course, everything was flat.

L Pond Road ends at Rte. 3. From here, you can drive north on Rte. 3 (a rather boring drive) or head south, where you'll find other hiking trails. The roads are a bit confusing, so be sure you have a map of the area. You can download one here.

Oak & Palm Hammock Trail

I tried the Oak and Palm Hammock Trails off Rte. 402, but I didn't go far. If you've been on many Florida nature trails, you won't see much you haven't seen before. (There had been recent heavy rains, so the trail was somewhat swampy, also.)