Pic of the Day

Sunrise, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus:

Blackpoint Wildlife Drive; Merritt Island NWR near Titusville, Florida

Pic of the Day

Great Egret, Ardea alba:  Blackpoint Wildlife Drive;

Merritt Island NWR near Titusville, Florida

     I captured this image on Blackpoint Wildlife Drive during early March.  It was busy feeding in one of the impoundments, paying little attention to me.  What I liked about the situation was the white bird on dark water. The contrast of dark gray, and white simplifies the image, and the yellow beak provides a nice accent color.  Hope you enjoy the image.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/5000 second @ f/8

Pic of the Day

Roseate Spoonbill, Piatalea ajaja:

Blackpoint Wildlife Drive; Merritt Island NWR near Titusville, Florida

    This image was taken the same morning that the White Ibises in the previous post were taken. Dozens and dozens of birds were feeding that morning, and among the species were spoonbills.  The birds moved along the wildlife drive making short flights, leap frogging over each other as they move to fresh feeding grounds.  I captured this bird as it made one of those short hops.  This is the full frame without any cropping, sometimes things just workout.  By the way, I love that early morning light.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/1250 second @ f/7.1

Pic of the Day

 White Ibis, Eudocimus albus:  Merritt Island NWR;

Blackpoint Wildlife Drive near Titusville, Florida

 White Ibis, Eudocimus albus:  Merritt Island NWR;

Blackpoint Wildlife Drive near Titusville, Florida

     During the first week of March, I had the opportunity to shoot along Blackpoint Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island NWR.  This was one of the best trips I have ever made to Merritt.  There was an abundance birds, and beautiful light.  I shot this White Ibis within a half mile of the entrance where it was feeding with dozens and dozens of other birds.  This image was shot in the very early morning light, thus the warm glow.  Early morning is my favorite time to shoot.

Top:  Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/3200 second @ f/8

Bottom:  Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/2500 second @ f/8