Imagine Our Florida, Inc.

- Saturday Sauter -
Black Point Wildlife Drive

Located in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Black Point Wildlife Drive is a 7-mile one-way road where visitors may view wildlife by hiking, from their bike, or the comfort of their cars. Restrooms are located at Stop 9.

The entrance to the Allan D. Cruickshank Memorial Trail is also located at Stop 9. It is a 5-mile walking trail complete with an observation tower. Leashed dogs are permitted to explore the trail with you. The Wild Birds Unlimited Trail is located at Stop 4. It passes between two ponds in full sun but is only 1/2 mile out and back.

Wildlife at Black Point Wildlife Drive thrives in and near the ponds, marshes, canals, and Pine Flatwoods. Look for birds, including wading birds, shorebirds, and migratory birds. Raptors, alligators, turtles, river otters, bobcats, opossums, armadillos, snakes, and more call Black Point home. Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

Take time to explore as you make your way slowly through Black Point Wildlife Drive. Stop to admire the beauty of the animals who live there. Discover how they hunt, eat, play, and rest in their peaceful, natural habitat. Note how the sun shimmers off the waters and makes the colors of wildflowers more vibrant. Leave your cares behind, and, for a time, immerse yourself in Nature and all her glory.

Photo Credit: Dan & Nancy Kon

Foto Friday: Please post the pictures you captured of Florida's wildlife, wildflowers, and wild spaces this week in the comments. We can't wait to see them!

Western Cattle Egret

The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a small, white heron native to Africa. This bird is known for its symbiotic relationship with large grazing animals, most commonly cattle, from which it gets its name.

Cattle egrets are distinctive due to their short necks and sturdy build compared to other egrets. Adults are predominantly white with yellow bills and legs, though, during the breeding season, they develop buff-colored plumage on their heads, necks, and backs. They typically stand 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 inches) tall with a wingspan of around 88 to 96 cm (35 to 38 inches).

Cattle egrets are often seen following grazing animals and farm equipment. Some may stand on top of a cow or horse. They are insectivorous birds, feeding on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, flies, and other small creatures stirred up by the movement of these animals and machines. They occasionally consume frogs, birds, small mammals, and other prey when available.

Cattle egrets typically breed in colonies, often alongside other heron species. They construct their nests near water on top of the outer branches of shrubs or trees. The nests are made from sticks and other plant material, and the female lays 3 to 5 pale blue or green eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

The cattle egret’s symbiotic relationship with grazing animals makes it a unique ecosystem species. By feeding on insects and pests, it helps reduce parasitic loads on livestock and promotes healthier grazing environments.