Wildlife in North East Florida

I spent a week in Saint Augustine, Florida and visited Merritt Island twice and drove up and down the coast photographing wildlife. I saw tons of bird species and even some gators along the way.

Merritt Island

Merritt Island, Florida, is a paradise for birding and wildlife photography, offering some of the most diverse and abundant natural habitats on the East Coast. Nestled along Florida’s Space Coast, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge spans over 140,000 acres of protected wetlands, coastal dunes, pine flatwoods, and lagoons. This vast mosaic of ecosystems attracts more than 350 species of birds throughout the year, including roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, wood storks, and migratory waterfowl. During winter months, the refuge becomes a prime hotspot for photographers seeking close encounters with ospreys, bald eagles, and a dazzling variety of wading birds framed by pristine reflections and golden light.

Beyond birdlife, Merritt Island teems with Florida’s iconic wildlife, from alligators and river otters to bobcats and manatees. The Black Point Wildlife Drive offers a scenic and accessible route for photographers to capture these subjects from the comfort of their vehicles, while trails like the Cruickshank and Scrub Ridge provide immersive opportunities to explore on foot. Its unique position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon creates an ever-changing backdrop of light, color, and life—ideal for both landscape and wildlife photography. Whether you’re after dramatic sunrise shots over the marshes or intimate portraits of wading birds in flight, Merritt Island delivers endless inspiration in every frame.

Hurricane force wind and rain one day, sunny skies the next

Day one was awful weather. I lived in Florida for 18 years and the rain and wind was comparable to a category 1 or 2 hurricane. That didn't stop the birds from showing though! Day one in these harsh weather conditions was actually the best for seeing wildlife. I struggled to keep the lens from fogging up but was able to get some good shots.

The second day was sunny and brutally hot. I saw more gators on the second day as they were soaking up the sun.

Here are some of my favorite shots.

Peregrine falcon

Along the beach I stumbled upon this Peregrine Falcon a few times. He did not like me getting close. He flew away several times as I would continue to slowly approach. I am really happy with the shots I was able to get.