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<\/a><\/a>As much as I love this place, though, there is one drawback for me. I can get to Merritt Island a little more quickly than I can get to Viera Wetlands, and generally speaking I see more at Merritt Island, so over the past few years I haven’t come here nearly as often as I used to–that is unless a rarity is spotted here.<\/p>\n When I do visit, there are three areas I like to see. In each of these locations, I usually stay in my car to avoid spooking the birds. On occasion, I’ll leave my car and crouch down low at the water’s edge for a better view of birds on the water.<\/p>\n Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands<\/p>\n — This is the place to begin. It’s located right next to a wastewater treatment plant, and they just recently created an entrance that allows you to enter without driving through the plant’s parking lot. If you want to see a Limpkin, this may be your best place to go. The wetlands always have many herons, egrets, and bitterns as well. During the winter months it’s a great destination for viewing ducks. Keep a lookout for Crested Cara Cara while you’re hear.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n “Click” Ponds<\/p>\n — N. Wickham Rd appears to dead end into the wetlands, but if you look to your right, you’ll see that the jogs to the right as a dirt road where it continues farther west. Just after the “jog” in the road, you’ll see a sign for the “click” ponds on the right. I always drive around this loop when I’m here. Sometimes there’s practically nothing at the ponds. At other times, you may find a flock of 50 White Pelicans waiting to greet you. When the water levels are right, this area can also fill up with shorebirds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n River Lakes Conservation Area<\/p>\n — If you continue farther west on Wickham Rd, it will dead end in the River Lakes Conservation area. I usually drive this road slowly to see what I can find. I frequently find American Kestrel and other raptors, Loggerhead Shrike, and toward the end of the road, Eastern Meadowlark. During the winter, this seems to be a good place for Ash-throated Flycatchers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n The wetlands are a wonderful place for both beginning and advanced birders. It’s relaxing and beautiful. You’re almost always going enjoy your time there, and it’s a great place for photogrpahy as well. I highly recommend this place.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n