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Drive Through Nature

Many people love nature watching but can’t seem to bring themselves to endure the grueling heat, mosquitos, and often volatile weather conditions to hike, boat, or wade themselves out to prime bird-watching areas. There is an option, a great option, for anyone who still want to “get out there” but can’t quite do it. It’s called drive through birding.

There are four major areas in Brevard County and at least two in Indian River County. The opportunities don’t stop there however, as many of the best birding areas are found at the end of trails that are drivable by vehicle.

In Brevard County, from north to south are the BlackPoint Drive at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Blue Heron Water Treatment Plant off of Highway 50, the Viera Wetlands at the South Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Viera, and the TM Goodwin and Broadmoor Marsh Area to the northwest of St. Sebastian State Park.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is open from dawn to dusk with the exception of shuttle launches, and extreme conditions. Guides can be found at the visitor center with maps of how to get around and pointing out where to look for famous species like bald eagle, scrub jay, roseate spoonbill, and the myriads of shorebirds. For more information visit the website http://www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr/BlackPoint/index.html.

Viera Wetlands (Rich Grissom Memorial Park) is a unique drive through tour located at the back of the South Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Viera. Hours listed for availability are dawn to dusk, but access may be available at earlier hours. This area is famous for attracting a huge diversity of bird life that is easily viewed from the driving berms and observation areas. Specific species found here include the caracara, bald eagle, purple gallinule, least and American bitterns, and wood storks. The website for a Viera Wetlands map and brochure is located at http://www.brevardcounty.us/usd/brochure.cfm.

Blue Heron Water Treatment Plant is located on the south side of Highway 50 on Deep Marsh Road in Titusville. Hours of operation here are from sunrise to 5:00 pm. This is a city facility and check-in and check-out are required. Species of interest here include of the blue heron, purple gallinule, bitterns, and many others. Other wildlife like deer and bobcat are often seen in this area as well. For more information visit this privately run website: http://www.cfbw.com/blueheron.shtml.

The T.M. Goodwin and Broadmoor Marsh Unit are located to the northwest of Fellsmere Grade (T.M. Goodwin Road) at the southernmost end of Brevard County. The area is restricted access, so it is necessary to check the dates and times which they are open to drive through visitors. This area boasts an amazing array of wildlife. Everything from Caracara to Fulvous Whistling Ducks have been seen here. It would be beneficial to any person entering this property to bring binoculars, a field guide, and a cell phone in case of emergency. Pack a lunch, because once you get out here, you might want to stay a while. For more information visit: http://myfwc.com/RECREATION/cooperative/tm_goodwin.asp

In Osceola County, to the south of Brevard, there are at least two great areas to drive through. Bull Creek WMA and Three Lakes Wildlife Management area both offer excellent bird and nature watching activities.

Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area is located off of the Highway 95 West of Melbourne at the terminal end of Crabgrass Road. There is no fee to enter, but access is limited during hunting season. Turkey, bobwhite, harriers, bluebirds, and many other species are abundant here. This is also one of the few areas in Florida that off road vehicles are allowed to drive on improved road year-round. For more information visit: http://sjr.state.fl.us/programs/outreach/pubs/recguide/s02_bull_creek_WMA.html

Three Lakes WMA adjoins the Bull Creek Area. The entrance is off of Canoe Creek Road in Holopaw, and it requires a small fee to enter. Many species are found here, including Caracara, Burrowing Owls, Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes and many more. There are also several other excellent drives nearby at Joe Overstreet Landing and Lake Kissimmee State Park. http://myfwc.com/recreation/three_lakes/default.asp

Drive through birdwatching is not restricted to these areas of Brevard and Osceola County. The causeways, beaches, and rural roads that are abundant here provide a great opportunity to see birds and wildlife that you might not see anywhere else! Enjoy the ride, and remember to stop and take a moment to enjoy life; in all it’s natural beauty.

This article is property of Jamie Drake and cannot be used without express permission.

By Jamie Drake

Jamie Drake is a full time student, amateur photographer, and serious advocate of conservation of Florida and North American natural resources. Her special interests include the Northern Caracara, Limpkin, and in finding ways for nature to thrive even through the rapid urbanization of Florida.
Visit her websites to learn more: http://www.fieldguideflorida.com

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