Viera Wetlands

Located in Brevard County at the South Central Wastewater Treatment Plant the Viera Wetlands has been drawing in photographers and nature lovers of all types and skill levels. The wetlands are rich in diversity, with the most activity occurring in fall and winter.  The spring and summer still has a lot to watch for but the challenges of the heat and unpredictable weather can make for an uneventful trip.

            There are two parts to this wonderland of flora and fauna, and a St. John’s Regional Water Management District area less than four miles down the road.  First, there is the wetland proper.  Within its boundaries at any time of year you are more than likely to find coots, moorhens, limpkins, great blue herons, snowy egrets, cattle egrets, great egrets, anhinga, sandhill crane and many other types of birds.  Some of the most unusual have been seen here. Birds like snail kites, masked ducks, soras, roseate spoonbills, woodstorks, american bitterns and least bitterns are reported as being here or common in this area.  Raptors that are frequently found here include crested caracara (there are several nesting pairs nearby), bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk, kestrel, marsh hawk, and occasionally the peregrine falcon.  Osprey and vultures are also common visitors. This is just a short list of the many, many types of birds found here.

            Mammal, reptile, and insect life are also abundant. Among the commonly seen mammal life includes white tailed deer, marsh rabbit, feral hogs, raccoons, and otters. There have been reports of bobcats as well. Reptiles include alligators, turtles of many species, snakes, and frogs. Insect life is also abound with dragonflies and butterflies capturing the most attention.  With the new addition of the butterfly garden and the decision to grow the perimeter of the central lake with wildflowers, the chances of seeing even more types of butterfly and dragonfly has been increased.

            Over at the “click ponds” located to the east of the actual wetlands (2^nd turn right on 4 mile road), waders are the prominent species.  In the winter ducks of every shape size and description have been known to use this area. In the summer, the scenery changes as the woodstorks, roseate spoonbills, and colonial waders congregate to feed in the shallow waters.  Black Necked stilts, greater and lesser yellowlegs and other shorebirds including tern and skimmers are found right along with them.

            If you follow Four-Mile Road, you reach the entrance area to Moccasin Island owned by the St. John’s Water Management District. Driving is not allowed, but hiking biking, and horseback riding are.  Following the trails takes you out to Moccasin Island, Lake Winder, or the Upper St John’s Marsh.  Out here you are likely to see caracara, bald eagle, vultures, eastern meadowlarks, snipe, and occasionally burrowing owls. Swallow-tailed kites have also been known to congregate here.  Because part of this area is in leaseback (used for cattle) and opened to hunting, access is restricted to certain areas at certain times of year. 

            The wetlands are just the beginning of an amazing area.  Don’t miss out on the great locations for wildlife, birding, and hiking nearby. 

http://www.brevardcounty.us/environmental_management/VieraWetlands-Home.cfm

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