The Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary borders the Banana River and a portion of Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, Florida. Arrive early and walk the trail or sit on the benches overlooking the Banana river.

There is a great birding trail within the sanctuary. The south bound portion of the trail leads past an overlook that is about 25 yards from an Osprey nest platform. This overlook should offer some great birding and photography opportunities during the nesting season, late winter and spring.

The north bound trail section wanders past several impoundments and several dense undergrowth areas. The wetlands offer some excellent birding opportunities for Osprey, Eagle, Heron, Egrets and waterfowl. The trail also offers very good songbird viewing during the fall and spring migrations.

These trails do not loop back to the entry point, so you will backtrack over the same ground when you return to the entrance.

Because of the high water levels be sure to bring and use insect repellent.

Things to See:

• Osprey
• White Pelican
• Northern Pintail
• Lesser Scaup
• Pied-billed Grebe
• Blue-winged Teal
• American Coot
• Common Moorhen
• Various Warblers such as Palm and Yellow-rumped
• Double-crested Cormorant
• Various Herons including the Great Blue, Green and Little Blue

The ducks listed above are typically seen during the fall and winter seasons.

DIRECTIONS:

Take I-95 to SR 520 east

Go through Cocoa to Merritt Island, Florida. This is state road 520. Look for Sykes Creek Parkway just east of the Merritt Square Mall. There is an Outback Steak House on the right and a Barns and Nobel Bookstore in the plaza on the left. Turn left (north) on Sykes Creek Parkway.

From Sykes Creek Parkway at the intersection of SR520, go north about 1 mile. The entrance to the sanctuary is on the left (west). While driving on Sykes Creek Parkway look to both sides for numerous birds in the waterway.

For Information: Brevard County Parks & Recreation, 591 Cone Rd, Merritt Island, FL 32952, ph 321.455.1312.

For a more complete listing of birds in the Central Florida area click here:Central Florida Bird Lists

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