The Wader Honey Hole

Posted on by Melissa Penta

I have many great memories from my trip to Florida earlier this year – most of them involve my favorite birds – waders. One that really stands out is a “honey hole” that we ran into on Blackpoint Wildlife Drive in Merritt Island. It was a small pond that must have gotten fairly deep surrounded by White Ibis, Snowy Egrets and one of each of a Tri-colored and Little Blue Heron.

Mixed Waders

Snowy Egrets, White Ibis and Little Blue Heron

When we drove up, a car was already parked at it, so we went in behind and waited our turn for the “best seat.” We were still able to pick up on the action from the distance. The Ibis were foraging at the edge of the pond while the Egrets and Herons wandered around. Eventually, the other car moved on and we had front row seats.

White Ibis

Juvenile White Ibis

Little Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron coming in while we waited

Snowy Egrets and Little Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron pretending to be a Snowy Egret

The little pond was so full of birds that they Snowy Egrets were showing a little attitude towards the others when they got close.

Snowy Egret

Roused Snowy Egret

The most interesting part, however, was how the Egrets and Herons would go after fish. We watched as they would skim the water with the tip of their toes and reach down to grab a fish.

Tri-colored Heron

Tri-colored Heron crossing the pond

Tri-colored Heron

Tri-colored Heron going all in

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret reaches in

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret grabs a fish

They would, for the most part, come up with a fish.

Tri-colored Heron

Tri-colored Heron skips across the pond with a fish

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret crossing the pond with a fish

At times, the birds would go at the same time.

Snowy Egrets

Two Snowy Egrets with fish

Snowy Egrets

Two Snowy Egrets take on the pond simultaneously

Which led to a few mid-air collisions…

Snowy Egrets

Snowy Egrets collide

Snowy Egret and Tri-colored Heron

Snowy Egret and Tri-colored Heron skimming at the same time

Snowy Egret and Tri-colored Heron

And then they collide

Snowy Egret and Tri-colored Heron

But do not miss a beat in air

I did capture a video of the action with my phone.

Eventually, a bird that we were waiting to photograph flew in – a Roseate Spoonbill!

Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill Joins the flock

This was the first time we were able to photograph an adult up close. It stayed at the edge with the Ibises.

Roseate Spoonbill

The Spoonbill stayed at the edge

Roseate Spoonbill

Foraging Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

It stayed for a little while before flying off – I was very happy with this photo session! We photographed at this little spot for over an hour even though the sun was high. What a great spot!

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