Outdoors & Nature Insider

Alligator along Black Point Wildlife Drive. Credit: Amanda Mims

Happy Trail Tuesday, my friends! In case you didn't catch the post earlier, it's Florida Hiking Month, so I hope all of you have your gear out on the living room floor and are pouring over maps. Yes, I just described the current state of our living room, and I might have gotten the "put this stuff back in the garage" look from Amanda last night. Whoops.

During the recent Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival (I'll post some videos from the festival soon, I promise) I spent a good deal of time on Black Point Wildlife Drive in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Since this is a major location for migratory birds, expect to see more wildlife in one area than you can possibly imagine: tons of Northern pintails and other species of ducks, Roseate spoonbills, eagles, herons – you name it. There are alligators, otters, butterflies and lots of other non-bird wildlife to get a look at, too.

If you have the time, I recommend biking Black Point Wildlife Drive. It's amazing, and the place takes on a different, more intimate feel by bike. Also, park your bike and take a hike on the Cruickshank Trail, a five-mile loop. It's good stuff. Bring sunscreen, some water and all the camera gear you can carry. Believe me, you'll want to use it all!

For more information, visit www.fws.gov/merrittisland. Oh, and browse through the list of upcoming activities; there are all sorts of birding hikes and other presentations going on. Have fun!