Hal Scott Preserve

The vast expanse of pine flatwoods and open prairies of Hal Scott Preserve straddles the Econlockhatchee River in eastern Orange County, protecting the resources of the river. Its big attraction for birders is an active colony of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers located in the northern third of the property. Best viewing time is at dawn when the birds awaken from their nesting cavities. White stripes around pine tree trunks identify trees with nesting cavities. Other common resident species include Eastern Bluebird, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Bachman’s Sparrow, Wood Duck, Sandhill Crane and Barred Owl. With some luck, visitors may find Wild Turkey, Whip-por-will, Hairy and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Sedge and Marsh Wrens, King Rail and Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks.

Directions: From Titusville, head west on SR 50, pas the town of Christmas. Turn left and go east on SR 520 for about two miles. Turn right (west) into the Wedgefield subdivision on Macon Pkwy. Turn left on Bancroft Blvd., right on Meredith Pkwy., then left on Dallas Blvd. The parking lot is 1.6 miles south of the Meridith/Dallas intersection on the right.

386-329-4404
www.nbbd.com/

Pine Island Conservation Area

The 879-acre Pine Island Conservation Area is a dynamic landscape supporting a diverse plant community and abundant wildlife. Two hiking trails accessed from a trailhead 0.5 miles from the entrance parking area offer moderate 1.0 mile and 1.5 mile walks through pine flatwoods and hydric hammocks. Each trail features overlooks that provide visitors with panoramic vistas of shallow water feeding habitat of wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl. Biking is allowed on established trails.

The coastal location and diversity of habitat provide many opportunities for viewing wildlife. Permanent blinds are accessible by foot or canoe. Wading birds are common, with fall migration bringing numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as American White Pelicans, Pine flatwoods provide habitat for resident and migratory songbirds. Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Vulture and Bald Eagle are often sighted.

Directions: From the intersection of SR 528 and SR 3 on Merritt Island, go north on SR 3 for five miles to Pine Island Rd. Turn left and go west on Pine Island Rd. Follow it 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the end. A kiosk with a map shows the canoe trails.

321-255-4466
www.eelbrevard.com

Port Canaveral

Jetty Park is the last land that ships pass as they leave Port Canaveral, headed out to sea. This area is consistently productive for many gull and tern species. It is not unusual to see hundreds of birds standing on the beach south of the jetty, providing a great opportunity for comparison of age and seasonal variations in plumages and molt sequences. As you bird the jetty area (a good place to look for Purple Sandpiper), look across the Trident Submarine turning basin for winter birds. Several avian rarities for this area have visited in recent years, including Common Eider and Red-necked Grebe. In addition to regular waterbirds, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Northern Gannet, jaegers, Sabine’s Gull and other seabirds may be seen offshore in winter.

On the beach look for Sanderling, Willet, Piping Plover (rare), Black-bellied Plover, Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone and many terns and gulls. Among them may be Lesser Black-backed Gull, Caspian and Sandwich Terns and Black Skimmer. You may see a shrimp boat dragging near the shore with hundreds of birds following. These should be scanned for rare oceanic birds. The Port Canaveral Locks offer an abundance of manatees, dolphins and birds. Check the rocks for Ruddy Turnstone, Black-bellied Plover and Spotted Sandpiper. Numerous waders and other birds loaf around the pilings. Sunset brings on a gathering of Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons.

Directions: From north Cocoa, go east on SR 528 from I-95 or U.S. 1. Follow the signs for South Dock and exit into the south entrance to the Port. Turn right on George King Blvd. and follow the signs to Jetty Park. Entrance fee. Full service camping available. To get to the Port Canaveral Locks from the south entrance to the Port, take the first left onto Dave Nisbett Dr., and turn left on Mullet Dr. The locks are at the very end of Mullet. Dr.

321-783-7111
www.portcanaveral.org