black point wildlife drive

We had a great time driving this road. Lots of birds to see, and many were quite close.We though didn't see as many birds as I thought, I just expected to see more, and we did go early in the morning.

If you drive slow enough and keep your eyes peeled you can spot a few. We found 5 today probably missed a few. Most were were on the far banks of the canals and tucked up in the weeds and under tree over hangs. We also found flamingos and many other birds.It was a fun day for the family and was only $5 for the carload paid to the iron ranger box.

If you like quiet and peaceful and seeing birds in their natural habitat, then this is for you. Only $5 per car and you drive at your own pace and stop to see and photo the beautiful birds in their habitat. There are a few hiking spots to park at, a covered wooden lookout tower and also an outhouse at one stop along the way. I can't wait to do this again.

We drove this 2 mile loop road in late afternoon in March. The road is gravel, though excellent, and one-way so the risk of hitting someone because you were starring out the window is markedly lessened. We saw an excellent variety of birds -- probably 20 species without getting out of the car. Had we the time I'm sure there were a lot more. Recommended.

Maybe I am spoiled by the other fairly local places I have visited, but the past four trips out here have been a waste of time. Biolab is fairly close by, and be much nicer.Viera Wetlands is close by, and that is much better.

I sure hope I'll be able to upload some of the pictures we took on this seven mile ride down a one way road. There are swamps, marshlands, dry pine covered areas and each area has it's unique flora and fauna. The roseate spoonbill was my particular favorite. I got great video of one in flight, the colors are spectacular. The variety of ducks on site was surprising, but it Is still winter so it was quite a treat for us. We saw cranes, snowy egrets, birds I didn't even know the names for, although there was a brochure at the entrance that was helpful in identifying some. It was a dreary day with intermittent rains but still beautiful. I'd have to say the most annoying part of the drive were the drivers that would not pull over and let the cars behind pass. Don't be that driver. You can put the brochures in the mailbox at the end to save paper. We saw a few alligators on the banks as the water was probably to cool to be comfortable. We did not walk out to the raised viewing station because of the rain but I bet it's a great view!Honor system for paying.not able to upload pictures, sorry

We spent more than 6 hours in late February exploring the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (which was still not nearly enough time), and we passed 2-3 hours on Black Point Wildlife Drive alone. I can't think of a better way to spend $5. It was rainy, windy, and pretty chilly, so alligators and most other wildlife that would be more likely to be active on a nicer day were scarce (though we did see a turtle, a small alligator, and a few armadillos), but we were amazed at the number and variety of birds! We had heard that February was a good time to visit, because of the migratory birds, but we were still surprised. As we drove, it seemed like they were everywhere we looked, flying overhead, floating on the water, wading in the shallows, or sitting in the trees. Hundreds of them, from dozens of different species (**I'll post a partial list of what we saw at the end of the review), and in almost all cases, we saw several of each species. It was fantastic. We're already planning a return trip on a nicer day to really get the most out of this drive, and the refuge in general. The road is very narrow, but it's still possible to pass other cars if people are careful to pull over and not block the road, which people generally are. Bring your binoculars, or borrow them for free from the visitor center, because not all of the wildlife will be close to you, and seeing small feathery blobs in the distance isn't very exciting. There are trails and nice observation platforms here and there if you want to get out and walk, as well as tolerably clean chemical toilets at one point along the drive. Overall, this was a great experience, even with the bad weather, and we will definitely be back!**Among the birds we saw at the refuge, the vast majority on Black Point Wildlife Drive, were the Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Coot, Wood Stork, Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Pied-billed Grebe, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Great Egret, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Roseate Spoonbill (I was excited to see them in the wild for the first time!), Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, both White and Brown Pelicans, Belted Kingfisher, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, multiple different types of Gulls and Terns, various Sandpipers and similar birds, and even more that I couldn't identify (my bird field guide has never seen so much action)!

The reserve offers a guided three hour tour in their shuttle bus. One of their goals is to teach participants how to identify a variety of bird species. It was perfect for us beginning birders! At a cost of $5 per person, this is a tremendous bargain. The entrance cost to the Reserve is $5/person! Both our van driver and guide were amazingly knowledgeable and personable. We board the van and head down Black Point Wildlife Drive. This one-way dirt road provides us with wonderful views of the brackish marsh and the salt-loving Black Needle Rush and Mangroves emerging everywhere.We enjoyed the tour and then returned to explore on our own.

This well designed and maintained drive offers a great opportunity to view up close a large variety of bird as well as alligators in their natural habitat. Best time to visit is when large numbers of ducks and other birds are migrating through the area. Great drive for bird watchers and photographers. We have driven many times and find it enjoyable each time.

7 Miles of stunning wildlife! I highly recommend this drive! It was way longer and more beautiful than I imagined. I can't believe this gem was hiding there all along!

Love driving slowly through and seeing so many different birds and wildlife. Got some great shots of ducks and armadillo. Love it out there.

For $5, you can take this nice drive, which is full of lots of different birds to see and, while we were there, even an alligator and a gecko. We saw storks, ibis, roseate spoonbills, egrets, coots, herons, plovers, sanderlings and many other birds. Definitely worth the $5!

It's like a wildlife box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to see until you get there. Drove the loop three times during a two day visit, saw different birds and animals each time. Lots of Spoonbills flying overhead. Awesome.Part of one afternoon was raining, and we still saw lots of birds. Great to be nice and dry in the car and still enjoy all the wildlife.It was cool and partly cloudy so some of the people we met were disappointed they didn't see more alligators. But it's Florida. plenty of spots to see gators.This is one of our must visit spots every trip we take to the area.

This 7 mile one way drive meanders through marshes at Merritt Island NWR. Along the way, especially in winter, you're going to be treated to a lot of bird activity. You can see it all from your car, but there are several designated pullouts and one parking lot where you can get out for better and longer views/watching. People pull over in other spots too...just about any place they spot something...and mostly the road is wide enough to permit others to get by if you do. Just be considerate and aware.

Heading for Universal or Disney? That's fine. We went too, but we planned one day to see Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island. What an outstanding morning spent here enjoying the amazing birds, alligators, butterflies, and fellow nature lovers. The drive is easy from any direction, and once there, you'll find decent travel through, lots of places to pull off and take photographs, as well as legitimate parking at certain areas :) . Everyone I encountered was enthusiastic, helpful, and fine with the occasional slow moving traffic. Halfway through there are serviceable toilets. Great sightings of egrets, wood storks, various ducks, herons, and a Roseate Spoonbill (!). I will plan for a longer stay next visit. Five NATURE stars for an outstanding piece of priceless Florida wilderness.