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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A bald eagle perches on a pole on Launch Pad 39A, seemingly monitoring the instruction of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure of the pad. Bald eagles use a specific territory for nesting (they mate for life), winter feeding or a year-round residence. Its natural domain is from Alaska to Baja, California, and from Maine to Florida. Bald eagles have a presence in every U. S. state except Hawaii. There are a dozen eagle nests in both Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds Kennedy. Bald eagles live near large bodies of open water such as lakes, marshes, seacoasts and rivers, where there are plenty of fish to eat and tall trees for nesting and roosting. Bald eagles feed primarily on fish, but also eat small animals (ducks, coots, muskrats, turtles, rabbits, snakes, etc.). Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3396

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A bald eagle perches on a pole on Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A bald eagle perches on a pole on Launch Pad 39A, seemingly monitoring the instruction of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew on slidewire basket operation, part of the emerge... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wild turkey tries to blend into the palmetto underbrush near the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center coexists with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 140,000 acres. The refuge comprises a wide variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries and marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. These habitats provide sanctuary for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, including more than 330 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. For additional information about the refuge, visit http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-2531

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wild turkey tries to blend into the palmetto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wild turkey tries to blend into the palmetto underbrush near the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center coexists with the Merritt Island Nati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An Egretta Heron, also known as a Tricolored Heron, wades through water just north of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy coexists with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, habitat to more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fish and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-1030

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An Egretta Heron, also known as a Tricolored H...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An Egretta Heron, also known as a Tricolored Heron, wades through water just north of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy coexists with ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the turn basin near the NASA News Center swims a large fish, perhaps witness to the arrival today of the external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tank, designated ET-118, was shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The area is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the center. The wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 117 fishes, as well as 310 species of birds, 25 mammals and 65 amphibians and reptiles. In addition, the Refuge supports 19 endangered or threatened wildlife species on Federal or State lists, more than any other single refuge in the U.S. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1020

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the turn basin near the NASA News C...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the turn basin near the NASA News Center swims a large fish, perhaps witness to the arrival today of the external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the nex... More

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida, Merritt Island National Wildlife...

Scale ca. 1:190,000. Oriented with north toward the upper left. "*GPO: 1980--311-309/39." Includes text and col. ill. Text, location map, and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Library of Congress W... More

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida and Merritt Island National Wildl...

"*GPO: 1984--421-578/413. Reprint 1984." Depths shown by gradient tints. Oriented with north to the left. Includes text and col. ill. Location map, text, and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Libra... More

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida and Merritt Island National Wildl...

"*GPO: 1986--491-417/40031. Reprint 1986." Depths shown by gradient tints. Oriented with north to the left. Includes text and col. ill. Location map, text, and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Lib... More

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida and Merritt Island National Wildl...

"*GPO: 1992--312-248/40131. Reprint 1992." Depths shown by gradient tints. Oriented with north to the left. Includes text and col. ill. Text, area map, and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Library... More

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

"*GPO: 1993--342-398/80029." Depths shown by gradient tints. Includes text and area map. Text and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Sendler Education Outpost

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Sendler Education Outpost

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: The sheltered pavilion at Sendler Education Outpost is the ideal setting for hosting environmental education programs. Location: Locati... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - An Array of Birds at Merritt Island

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - An Array of Birds at Merri...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: Roseate spoonbills, great egrets, American white pelicans, snowy egrets, wood storks, and great blue herons can all be seen at Merritt I... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Merritt Island Visitor Information Center

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Merritt Island Visitor Inf...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: The American flag waves majestically over Merritt Island\'s Visitor Information Center. Location: Location: Merritt Island National Wil... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Hammock Trails on Merritt Island

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Hammock Trails on Merritt ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: This is one of two learning-oriented trails at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge where visitors can take a short walk through the ... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Florida Scrub Jay at Merritt Island

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Florida Scrub Jay at Merri...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: This federally threatened Florida scrub jay perches cautiously along the Scrub Ridge Trail, part of Merritt Island National Wildlife Ref... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Hunting Waterfowl

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Hunting Waterfowl

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: A black labrador is praised by a hunter for retrieving waterfowl during hunting season. Location: Location: Merritt Island National Wil... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Underwater Manatee

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Underwater Manatee

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: One of the many mammals found at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, this manatee floats placidly for inquisitive visitors to obser... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - American Alligator

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - American Alligator

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: An American alligator grins toothily as it stealthily crawls through the grasslands of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Locatio... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Learning About the Environment at Merritt Island

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Learning About the Environ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: The local ranger educates curious children and other visitors about the birds that can be found at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refu... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - American Bald Eagles

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - American Bald Eagles

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: A pair of American Bald Eagles perches royally on bare branches at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Location: Location: Merritt... More

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Blue Winged Teal Ducks at Merritt Island

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway - Blue Winged Teal Ducks at ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: A pair of blue-winged teal ducks swim near the shore while a third looks on. Location: Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refug... More

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

"*GPO: 1995--387-038/00241." Depths shown by gradient tints. Includes text and area map. Text and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Co-located on the Kennedy Space Center is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of the finest refuges in the world. Here, birds, amphibians, mammals and other wild creatures thrive in a multitude of habitats untouched by the human hand. The refuge is living proof that high technology and nature can successfully co-exist. Photo credit: NASA KSC-95PC-0239

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Co-located on the Kennedy Space Center is...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Co-located on the Kennedy Space Center is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of the finest refuges in the world. Here, birds, amphibians, mammals and other wild creatu... More

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

"*GPO: 1996--404-952/40160. Reprint 1996." Depths shown by gradient tints. Includes text and area map. Text and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

Canaveral and Merritt Island - Public domain map

"*GPO: 1997--417-648/60134. Reprint 1997." Depths shown by gradient tints. Includes text and area map. Text and col. ill. on verso. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Startled by the almost silent appearance of the orbiter Discovery as it lands following the STS-91 mission, several birds hurriedly leave KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) for a more secluded spot. The SLF is nestled among the wilds of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 300 species of birds. Discovery's main gear touchdown on Runway 15 was at 2:00:18 p.m. EDT on June 12, 1998, landing on orbit 155 of the mission. The wheels stopped at 2:01:22 p.m. EDT, for a total mission-elapsed time of 9 days, 19 hours, 55 minutes and 1 second. The 91st Shuttle mission was the 44th KSC landing in the history of the Space Shuttle program and the 15th consecutive landing at KSC. During the mission, the orbiter docked with the Russian space station Mir for the ninth time, concluding Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program. STS-91 also featured first flights for both the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and the Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew included Mission Commander Charles J. Precourt; Pilot Dominic L. Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Janet Lynn Kavandi and Valery Victorovitch Ryumin of the Russian Space Agency. Astronaut Andrew S. W. Thomas also returned to Earth as an STS-91 crew member after 141 days in space KSC-98pc739

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Startled by the almost silent appearance...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Startled by the almost silent appearance of the orbiter Discovery as it lands following the STS-91 mission, several birds hurriedly leave KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) for a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery nears touchdown on Runway 15 of KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the STS-91 mission. The SLF is nestled among the wilds of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, as is apparent from the abundance of native vegetation and water surrounding the landing strip. Main gear touchdown was at 2:00:18 p.m. EDT on June 12, 1998, landing on orbit 155 of the mission. The wheels stopped at 2:01:22 p.m. EDT, for a total mission-elapsed time of 9 days, 19 hours, 55 minutes and 1 second. The 91st Shuttle mission was the 44th KSC landing in the history of the Space Shuttle program and the 15th consecutive landing at KSC. During the mission, the orbiter docked with the Russian space station Mir for the ninth time, concluding Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program. STS-91 also featured first flights for both the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and the Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew included Mission Commander Charles J. Precourt; Pilot Dominic L. Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Janet Lynn Kavandi and Valery Victorovitch Ryumin of the Russian Space Agency. Astronaut Andrew S. W. Thomas also returned to Earth from Mir as an STS-91 crew member after 141 days in space KSC-98dc734

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery nears touchdown on...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery nears touchdown on Runway 15 of KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the STS-91 mission. The SLF is nestled among the wilds of the Merritt Island ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A fire burns in the background as members of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service operate firefighting equipment soaking the grass and underbrush in an attempt to keep the fire away from Kennedy Parkway and the wooded area on the other side of the road. Lightning touched off three different fires Sunday evening in and around Kennedy Space Center at Tel IV, Ransom Road and Pine Island Road. This area is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge operated by the service. The fires were a short distance from operational facilities at the space center and forced the closing of Florida State Route 3. The fires are being contained by firefighters from Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service KSC-98pc767

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A fire burns in the background as membe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A fire burns in the background as members of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service operate firefighting equipment soaking the grass and underbrush in an attempt to keep the fire away ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A wooded section of the southeast corner of Kennedy Space Center burns on Monday, June 22, after lightning touched off three different fires Sunday evening in and around Tel IV, Ransom Road and Pine Island Road. This area is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The fires were a short distance from operational facilities at the space center and forced the closing of Florida State Route 3. The fires are being contained by firefighters from Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service KSC-98pc768

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A wooded section of the southeast corne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A wooded section of the southeast corner of Kennedy Space Center burns on Monday, June 22, after lightning touched off three different fires Sunday evening in and around Tel IV, R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Charred trees and brush in a wooded section of Kennedy Space Center still burn Monday, June 22, after lightning touched off three different fires Sunday evening in and around Kennedy Space Center at Tel IV, Ransom Road and Pine Island Road. This area is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The fires were a short distance from operational facilities at the space center and forced the closing of Florida State Route 3. The fires are being contained by firefighters from Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service KSC-98pc766

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Charred trees and brush in a wooded sec...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Charred trees and brush in a wooded section of Kennedy Space Center still burn Monday, June 22, after lightning touched off three different fires Sunday evening in and around Kenn... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographers, it is common feeding behavior among the wild alligator population on the space center. Alligators are carnivorous and will eat any living thing that crosses their paths and is small enough for them to kill. For this reason, it is dangerous to feed wild alligators, and in Florida, it is also illegal. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is located on Kennedy Space Center property. KSC-98pc771

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a sma...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographers, it is common feeding behavior among the wild alligator population on the space center. Alligators are carnivorous and will eat any living thing that crosses their paths and is small enough for them to kill. For this reason, it is dangerous to feed wild alligators, and in Florida, it is also illegal. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is located on Kennedy Space Center property. KSC-98pc773

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a sma...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographers, it is common feeding behavior among the wild alligator population on the space center. Alligators are carnivorous and will eat any living thing that crosses their paths and is small enough for them to kill. For this reason, it is dangerous to feed wild alligators, and in Florida, it is also illegal. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is located on Kennedy Space Center property. KSC-98pc772

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a sma...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographers, it is common feeding behavior among the wild alligator population on the space center. Alligators are carnivorous and will eat any living thing that crosses their paths and is small enough for them to kill. For this reason, it is dangerous to feed wild alligators, and in Florida, it is also illegal. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is located on Kennedy Space Center property. KSC-98pc770

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a sma...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographers, it is common feeding behavior among the wild alligator population on the space center. Alligators are carnivorous and will eat any living thing that crosses their paths and is small enough for them to kill. For this reason, it is dangerous to feed wild alligators, and in Florida, it is also illegal. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is located on Kennedy Space Center property. KSC-98pc769

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a sma...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large alligator attacks and eats a smaller one in a natural display of cannibalism. Although this event has been observed infrequently by Kennedy Space Center's staff photographe... More

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, still on the Mobile Launch Platform and crawler transporter, sits at Launch Pad 39B. To its left is the Fixed Service Structure that provides access to the orbiter and the Rotating Service Structure. Above it is the 80-foot fiberglass lightning mast that provides protection from lightning strikes. The top of the photo looks west, across the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. While at the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1107

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Asse...

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, still on the Mobile Launch Platform and crawler transporter, sits at Launch Pad 39B. To i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking northwest, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in the Launch Complex 39 area of KSC can be seen with its new coat of paint, along with newly painted American flag and NASA logo. The improved look was finished in time to honor NASA's 40th anniversary on Oct. 1. In order to do the job, workers were suspended on platforms from the top of the 525-foot-high VAB. One of the world's largest buildings by volume, the VAB is the last stop for the Shuttle before rollout to the launch pad. Integration and stacking of the complete Space Shuttle vehicle (orbiter, two solid rocket boosters and the external tank) takes place in High Bays 1 or 3. The High Bay doors (shown partially open), four in all, are 456 feet high. The low-door section, 114 feet high, has four panels that move horizontally. The upper section, 342 feet high, has seven panels that move vertically. It takes about 45 minutes to open all panels. Beyond the VAB is the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The SLF is used for end-of-mission orbiter landings, and also military and civilian cargo carriers, astronauts' T-38 trainers, Shuttle Training Aircraft, and helicopters KSC-98pc1239

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking northwest, the Vehicle Assembly ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking northwest, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in the Launch Complex 39 area of KSC can be seen with its new coat of paint, along with newly painted American flag and NASA ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A young, male bobcat balances gingerly on telephone pole cables next to the south-bound lane of Kennedy Parkway. The cat is nocturnal and is seldom observed during the day unless scared from its daytime shelter in the grass or beneath a shrub. Usually found in broken sections of heavily wooded or brushy country, bobcats are reported as common in scrub strand and roadside or weedy grass habitats at KSC. The bobcat is known to inhabit mangrove habitats and will readily swim across small bodies of water. The bobcat occurs across southern Canada then south over the entire United States, except for the midwestern corn belt, to southern Mexico. It is the last large mammalian predator remaining on KSC. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is located on Kennedy Space Center property, is home to many species of wild animals, including the bobcat. KSC-98pc1602

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A young, male bobcat balances gingerly o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A young, male bobcat balances gingerly on telephone pole cables next to the south-bound lane of Kennedy Parkway. The cat is nocturnal and is seldom observed during the day unless s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A great blue heron catches a small rodent along the shore of an inland waterway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An alligator swims in the water nearby. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge encompasses 140,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 330 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. It contains more than 1,000 known plant species. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, and a variety of insects. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2014-1999

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A great blue heron catches a small rodent along...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A great blue heron catches a small rodent along the shore of an inland waterway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An alligator swims in the water nearby. The center shares a b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This roseate spoonbill seems to pause midstride as it searches for food in a canal in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The birds, named for their brilliant pink color and paddle-shaped bill, feed in shallow water by swinging their bill back and forth, scooping up small fish and crustaceans. They typically inhabit mangroves on the coasts of southern Florida, Louisiana and Texas KSC-99pc14

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This roseate spoonbill seems to pause mi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This roseate spoonbill seems to pause midstride as it searches for food in a canal in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The birds, named for their brilliant pink color a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A roseate spoonbill feeds alongside a canal in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The birds are named for their brilliant pink color and paddle-shaped bill and feed in shallow water by swinging their bill back and forth, scooping up small fish and crustaceans. They typically inhabit mangroves on the coasts of southern Florida, Louisiana and Texas KSC-99pc15

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A roseate spoonbill feeds alongside a ca...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A roseate spoonbill feeds alongside a canal in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The birds are named for their brilliant pink color and paddle-shaped bill and feed in sh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A drop of water clings to the chin of a horned grebe after surfacing from underwater in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The species inhabits marshes and lakes in summer, but winters along the Atlantic Coast to Texas. This is the most common saltwater grebe in the East KSC-99pc20

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A drop of water clings to the chin of a ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A drop of water clings to the chin of a horned grebe after surfacing from underwater in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The species inhabits marshes and lakes in summe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator lurks in the murky, mossy waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Its tail surfaces behind him, looking like a log in the water. The wildlife refuge harbors nearly 5,000 American alligators, some of which can be seen in the canals and ponds around KSC. The refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The open water provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl and a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99wl09

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator lurks in the murky, mossy w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator lurks in the murky, mossy waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Its tail surfaces behind him, looking like a log in the water.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Its newly grown, wispy feathers reflecting light like a halo, an unidentified baby bird waits, probably for its next meal, in its stick-assembled nest. The nest is in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with KSC. Hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods share the 92,000-acre refuge with fresh-water impoundments, salt-water estuaries and brackish marshes. The diverse landscape provides habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles, including such endangered species as Southern bald eagles, wood storks, Florida scrub jays, Atlantic loggerhead and leatherback turtles, osprey, and nearly 5,000 alligators KSC-99wl13

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Its newly grown, wispy feathers reflecti...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Its newly grown, wispy feathers reflecting light like a halo, an unidentified baby bird waits, probably for its next meal, in its stick-assembled nest. The nest is in the Merritt I... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A great blue heron pulls its catch from the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The great blue inhabits lakes, ponds, rivers and marshes from Alaska, Quebec and Nova Scotia to Mexico and the West Indies. Its principal food are fish or frogs but it may also feed on small animals, reptiles and even other birds. Great blue herons can be found year-round at the wildlife refuge KSC-99wl11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A great blue heron pulls its catch from ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A great blue heron pulls its catch from the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The great blue inhabits lakes,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ducks take flight across the marshes of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The duck at top-center is a pintail, which can be found in marshes, prairie ponds and tundra, and salt marshes in winter. They range from Alaska and Greenland south to Central America and the West Indies. The open waters of the Wildlife Refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The refuge comprises 92,000 acres, ranging from fresh-water impoundments, salt-water estuaries and brackish marshes to hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods KSC-99wl10

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ducks take flight across the marshes of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Ducks take flight across the marshes of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The duck at top-center is a pintail, which can be found in marshes, pra... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the space center, an anhinga gets ready to eat the fish it captured in the nearby Indian River with its long, dagger-shaped bill. The bird will flip its catch into the air and gulp it down headfirst. The anhinga is also known as the "snakebird" because in the water its body is submerged so that only its head and long, slender neck are visible. Ranging the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from North Carolina to Texas, north in the Mississippi Valley to Arkansas and Tennessee, and in the South to South America, it inhabits freshwater ponds and swamps with thick vegetation. They are often seen with wings half-open, drying them in the sun since they lack oil glands with which to preen KSC-99wl05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Merritt Island National Wildlife ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the space center, an anhinga gets ready to eat the fish it captured in the nearby Indian River with its... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Spotted in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the space center, an anhinga captures a fish in its long, dagger-shaped bill. It is also known as the "snakebird" because in the water its body is submerged so that only its head and long, slender neck are visible. Ranging the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from North Carolina to Texas, north in the Mississippi Valley to Arkansas and Tennessee, and in the South to South America, it inhabits freshwater ponds and swamps with thick vegetation. They are often seen with wings half-open, drying them in the sun since they lack oil glands with which to preen KSC-99wl06

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Spotted in the Merritt Island National W...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Spotted in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the space center, an anhinga captures a fish in its long, dagger-shaped bill. It is also known ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center, is winter home to hundreds of waterfowl such as these coots and pintail ducks. The smaller coot inhabits open ponds and marshes, wintering in saltwater bays and inlets. They range from southern Canada to northern South America. The pintail can be found in marshes, prairie ponds and tundra, and salt marshes in winter. They range from Alaska and Greenland south to Central America and the West Indies KSC-99wl07

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Merritt Island National Wildlife Ref...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center, is winter home to hundreds of waterfowl such as these coots and pintail ducks. T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pintail duck is poised for landing, joining other ducks and coots on the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The refuge is winter home to hundreds of waterfowl such as these coots and pintail ducks. The smaller coot inhabits open ponds and marshes, wintering in saltwater bays and inlets. They range from southern Canada to northern South America. The pintail can be found in marshes, prairie ponds and tundra, and salt marshes in winter. They range from Alaska and Greenland south to Central America and the West Indies KSC-99wl08

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pintail duck is poised for landing, jo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pintail duck is poised for landing, joining other ducks and coots on the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The refuge is winter home ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A black skimmer proves its name as it flies low over the water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. They skim the surface of the water for fish, with the tip of their lower mandible cutting through the water. They also wade in shallow water, jabbing with their blade-like bills at the fish scattering before them. Skimmers breed chiefly on sandbars and beaches, feeding in shallow bays, inlets and estuaries, such as the Wildlife Refuge. They range from Massachusetts and Long Island to Florida and Texas, and from Mexico to southern South America KSC-99wl12

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A black skimmer proves its name as it fl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A black skimmer proves its name as it flies low over the water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. They skim the surf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male pintail duck (foreground) paddles in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center while a female behind him bobs for food. The pintails can be found in the marshes, prairie ponds and tundra of Alaska, Greenland and north and western United States; in the winter they range south and east to Central America and the West Indies, sometimes in salt marshes such as the refuge offers. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0103

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male pintail duck (foreground) paddles...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male pintail duck (foreground) paddles in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center while a female behind him bobs for food. The pintails ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of ducks launch into the morning sky in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0106

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of ducks launch into the morning...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of ducks launch into the morning sky in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male pintail duck (left) and female pintail (right) look like bookends on a glass-topped table in the winter waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The pintails can be found in the marshes, prairie ponds and tundra of Alaska, Greenland and north and western United States; in the winter they range south and east to Central America and the West Indies, sometimes in salt marshes such as the refuge offers. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0104

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male pintail duck (left) and female pi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male pintail duck (left) and female pintail (right) look like bookends on a glass-topped table in the winter waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Male (foreground) and female pintail ducks climb onto a grassy spot in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The pintails can be found in the marshes, prairie ponds and tundra of Alaska, Greenland and north and western United States; in the winter they range south and east to Central America and the West Indies, sometimes in salt marshes such as the refuge offers. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0107

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Male (foreground) and female pintail duc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Male (foreground) and female pintail ducks climb onto a grassy spot in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The pintails can be found ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two female pintail ducks search for food in the winter waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The pintails can be found in the marshes, prairie ponds and tundra of Alaska, Greenland and north and western United States; in the winter they range south and east to Central America and the West Indies, sometimes in salt marshes such as the refuge offers. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0105

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two female pintail ducks search for food...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two female pintail ducks search for food in the winter waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The pintails can be found in the marshes, prai... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mockingbird perches on a limb in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The birds range from southern Canada south to the Caribbean and winter in the southern part of the range. Mockingbirds are very vocal, often imitating the sounds of other birds. Besides providing a winter home for the mockingbird, the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0108

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mockingbird perches on a limb in the M...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mockingbird perches on a limb in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The birds range from southern Canada south to the Caribbean and winter in th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The distinctive fan-shaped, black-bordered crest and striped breast identify this hooded merganser, swimming in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Usually found from Alaska and Canada south to Nebraska, Oregon and Tennessee, hooded mergansers winter south to Mexico and the Gulf Coast, including KSC. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0111

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The distinctive fan-shaped, black-border...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The distinctive fan-shaped, black-bordered crest and striped breast identify this hooded merganser, swimming in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The broad, distinctive bill is a primary feature of this northern shoveler, paddling in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Typically found in western Canada, Alaska, Colorado and Southern California, it can also be found farther east and south, wintering in the United States along the southeast coast. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0109

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The broad, distinctive bill is a primary...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The broad, distinctive bill is a primary feature of this northern shoveler, paddling in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Typically... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female hooded merganser swims solo in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The male is distinguished by a fan-shaped, black-bordered crest and striped breast. Usually found from Alaska and Canada south to Nebraska, Oregon and Tennessee, hooded mergansers winter south to Mexico and the Gulf Coast, including KSC. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0115

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female hooded merganser swims solo in ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female hooded merganser swims solo in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The male is distinguished by a fan-shaped, black-bordered... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This male blue-winged teal is one of 23 species of migratory waterfowl that winter in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The male is usually identified with pale blue shoulder patches and a white crescent in front of its eye. The blue-winged teal's normal range is from Canada to North Carolina, the Gulf Coast and southern California, preferring marshes, shallow ponds and lakes. It winters as far as northern South America. The refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0112

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This male blue-winged teal is one of 23 ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This male blue-winged teal is one of 23 species of migratory waterfowl that winter in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The male is... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male and two female hooded mergansers swim in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The male displays its distinctive fan-shaped, black-bordered crest. Usually found from Alaska and Canada south to Nebraska, Oregon and Tennessee, hooded mergansers winter south to Mexico and the Gulf Coast, including KSC. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0110

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male and two female hooded mergansers ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male and two female hooded mergansers swim in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The male displays its distinctive fan-shaped, bla... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Balancing on one leg, a roseate spoonbill is reflected in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The birds, named for their brilliant pink color and paddle-shaped bill, feed in shallow water by swinging their bill back and forth, scooping up small fish and crustaceans. They typically inhabit mangroves on the coasts of southern Florida, Louisiana and Texas. The refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0113

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Balancing on one leg, a roseate spoonbil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Balancing on one leg, a roseate spoonbill is reflected in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. The birds, named for their brilliant pi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- These wood storks stand in grassy patches near the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Known as "flint heads" and "gourd heads" because of their naked crowns, the wood stork is found throughout Florida and occasionally South Carolina and Texas, breeding in cypress and mangrove swamps. The refuge is a year-round home for wood storks, plus great blue herons, great egrets, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a wintering area for 23 species of migratory waterfowl. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0114

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- These wood storks stand in grassy patche...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- These wood storks stand in grassy patches near the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Known as "flint heads" and "gourd heads" because o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A belted kingfisher soars over the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The pigeon-sized, blue-gray male is identified by the blue-gray breast band; females show a chestnut belly band. The belted kingfisher ranges throughout the United States and Canada, wintering south to Panama and the West Indies. They dive into the water for fish and may also take crabs, crayfish, salamanders, lizards, mice and insects. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pc0132

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A belted kingfisher soars over the Merri...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A belted kingfisher soars over the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The pigeon-sized, blue-gray male is identified by the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A young female red-breasted merganser swims in the quicksilver water of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Usually found from Alaska and Canada south to Nebraska, Oregon and Tennessee, hooded mergansers winter south to Mexico and the Gulf Coast, including KSC. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0140

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A young female red-breasted merganser sw...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A young female red-breasted merganser swims in the quicksilver water of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Usually foun... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female red-breasted merganser swims low in the water at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Usually found from Alaska and Canada south to Nebraska, Oregon and Tennessee, hooded mergansers winter south to Mexico and the Gulf Coast, including KSC. The open water of the refuge provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. The 92,000-acre refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0139

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female red-breasted merganser swims lo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female red-breasted merganser swims low in the water at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Usually found from Alaska ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An Eastern gray squirrel pauses in its daily search for food in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The Eastern gray squirrel is found in wooded, suburban, and urban areas statewide. It nests in tree hollows or leaf nests in treetops. It forages during the day, mainly early morning and late afternoon, both on the ground and in trees, living on a diet of acorns, nuts, fruits, berries, insects, and bird eggs. Food plants include cypress, buckeyes, elms, grapes, tulip trees, mulberries, and tupelo. It breeds in late winter or early spring and again in late spring or summer, bearing two to six young. The eastern gray squirrel chatters when disturbed. The 92,000-acre wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pc0137

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An Eastern gray squirrel pauses in its d...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An Eastern gray squirrel pauses in its daily search for food in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The Eastern gray squ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Rough-legged hawk stares at the landscape from a perch in a tree in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This type of hawk is rarely seen in Florida, ranging from northern Alaska through Manitoba and Newfoundland and wintering from California east to Virginia. The 92,000-acre refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center, is habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pp0227

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Rough-legged hawk stares at the landsc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Rough-legged hawk stares at the landscape from a perch in a tree in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This type of hawk is rarely seen in Florida, ranging from norther... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Rough-legged Hawk fans its wings as it gently lands in a tree in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This type of hawk is rarely seen in Florida, ranging from northern Alaska through Manitoba and Newfoundland and wintering from California east to Virginia. The 92,000-acre refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center, is habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles KSC-99pp0226

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Rough-legged Hawk fans its wings as it...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Rough-legged Hawk fans its wings as it gently lands in a tree in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This type of hawk is rarely seen in Florida, ranging from northern A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans search for a meal in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The habitat of white pelicans are marshy lakes along the Pacific and Texas coasts, wintering chiefly in coastal lagoons such as this one. They often capture fish cooperatively, forming a long line, beating their wings and driving the prey into shallow water. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0249

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans search for a meal in the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans search for a meal in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The habitat of white pelicans are ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female red-breasted merganser paddles in the rippled water of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center. Male mergansers have a green head, gray sides, white neck ring and rusty breast. One of three mergansers commonly found on salt water, it ranges from northern lakes and tundra ponds, wintering principally on the ocean and in salt bays. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0247

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female red-breasted merganser paddles ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female red-breasted merganser paddles in the rippled water of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center. Male mergansers ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans soaring over the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge reveal the black wing feathers that are hidden when folded. The habitat of white pelicans are marshy lakes along the Pacific and Texas coasts, wintering chiefly in coastal lagoons such as this one. They often capture fish cooperatively, forming a long line, beating their wings and driving the prey into shallow water. The 92,000-acre refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center, is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0250

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans soaring over the waters o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans soaring over the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge reveal the black wing feathers that are hidden when folded. The habitat of white pelicans are ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican stretches its eight-foot wing span as it prepares for flight. The black wing feathers, hidden when folded, appear as shadows against the dappled waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The habitat of white pelicans are marshy lakes along the Pacific and Texas coasts, wintering chiefly in coastal lagoons such as this one. They often capture fish cooperatively, forming a long line, beating their wings and driving the prey into shallow water. The 92,000-acre refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center, is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0251

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican stretches its eight-foot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican stretches its eight-foot wing span as it prepares for flight. The black wing feathers, hidden when folded, appear as shadows against the dappled waters of the Merri... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of blue-winged teals glide through the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Inhabiting marshes, shallow ponds and lakes from British Columbia, Quebec and Newfoundland to North Carolina, the Gulf Coast and southern California, the teal winters as far south as South America. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0252

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of blue-winged teals glide throug...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of blue-winged teals glide through the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Inhabiting marshes, shallow ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A belted kingfisher perches on a twig in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center. The pigeon-sized, blue-gray male is identified by the blue-gray breast band; females show a chestnut belly band. The belted kingfisher ranges throughout the United States and Canada, wintering south to Panama and the West Indies. They dive into the water for fish and may also take crabs, crayfish, salamanders, lizards, mice and insects. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0246

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A belted kingfisher perches on a twig in...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A belted kingfisher perches on a twig in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center. The pigeon-sized, blue-gray male is ide... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans are joined by a few egrets at a feeding frenzy in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Pelicans in flight display their black wing tips, which are hidden when folded. The habitat of white pelicans are marshy lakes along the Pacific and Texas coasts, wintering chiefly in coastal lagoons such as this one. They often capture fish cooperatively, forming a long line, beating their wings and driving the prey into shallow water. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0248

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans are joined by a few egret...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- White pelicans are joined by a few egrets at a feeding frenzy in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Pelic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A snowy egret wades the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Ranging from northern California, Oklahoma and Maine to southern South America, the snowy egret winters north to California and South Carolina. In the East, they are best known as salt marsh birds. Once an endangered species, their numbers have increased again. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0256

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A snowy egret wades the shallow waters o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A snowy egret wades the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Ranging from northern California, Oklahoma... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of short-billed dowitchers crowd onto a grassy mound in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The dowitchers range from southern Alaska to eastern Canada, and they winter from the southern United States to central South America. They often frequent coastal flats during migrations. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0254

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of short-billed dowitchers crowd...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of short-billed dowitchers crowd onto a grassy mound in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A glossy ibis searches for food in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Identified by its chestnut plumage and green wings, the glossy ibis ranges on or near the coast from Maine to Florida and Texas. It inhabits marshes, swamps, flooded fields, coastal bays, and estuaries. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0257

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A glossy ibis searches for food in the s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A glossy ibis searches for food in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Identified by its chestnut ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of willets soars to a landing among a flock of short-billed dowitchers on a grassy mound in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Willets are best identified in flight by their black-and-white wing pattern. They breed in southern Canada, the United States and the West Indies, wintering from the southern U.S. to central South America. The dowitchers' range is southern Alaska to eastern Canada, and they also winter from the southern United States to central South America. They often frequent coastal flats during migrations. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0258

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of willets soars to a landing amo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of willets soars to a landing among a flock of short-billed dowitchers on a grassy mound in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The furious beating wings of a blue-winged teal launch it from the water as another swims calmly beneath it in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Inhabiting marshes, shallow ponds and lakes from British Columbia, Quebec and Newfoundland to North Carolina, the Gulf Coast and southern California, the teal winters as far south as South America. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0255

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The furious beating wings of a blue-wing...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The furious beating wings of a blue-winged teal launch it from the water as another swims calmly beneath it in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A sandpiper-like Lesser Yellowlegs eyes the water for food in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The gray-streaked wader is found in marshy ponds, lake and river shores, and mud flats in Alaska and Canada; it winters in the southern United States to southern South America. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0304

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A sandpiper-like Lesser Yellowlegs eyes ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A sandpiper-like Lesser Yellowlegs eyes the water for food in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The gray-streaked wade... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Black-necked Stilt hunts for food in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The stilt is identified by its distinct head pattern of black and white, its very long red legs, and straight, very thin bill. The stilt's habitat is salt marshes and shallow coastal bays from Delaware and northern South America in the East, and freshwater marshes from Oregon and Saskatchewan to the Gulf Coast. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0303

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Black-necked Stilt hunts for food in t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Black-necked Stilt hunts for food in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The stilt is identified by its ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Roseate Spoonbill sweeps the water for food in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The brilliant pink bird is named for its straight bill with the broad spatulate tip. Preferring a habitat of mangroves, it is usually found on the coasts of southern Florida and Texas, occasionally in Louisiana., in the West Indies, Mexico and Central and South America. Spoonbills feed on shrimps and fish in shallow waters, sweeping their bills from side to side and scooping up whatever they encounter. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0305

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Roseate Spoonbill sweeps the water for...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Roseate Spoonbill sweeps the water for food in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The brilliant pink bird is named fo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A roseate spoonbill balancing on one leg is reflected in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The birds, named for their brilliant pink color and paddle-shaped bill, feed in shallow water by swinging their bill back and forth, scooping up small fish and crustaceans. They typically inhabit mangroves on the coasts of southern Florida, Louisiana and Texas. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0364

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A roseate spoonbill balancing on one leg...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A roseate spoonbill balancing on one leg is reflected in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The birds, na... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two male blue-winged teals are joined by a female in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The teals inhabit marshes, shallow ponds and lakes from British Columbia, Quebec and Newfoundland to North Carolina, the Gulf Coast and southern California, wintering as far south as South America. The 92,000-acre wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0366

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two male blue-winged teals are joined by...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two male blue-winged teals are joined by a female in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The teals inhabit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two roseate spoonbills wade in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The birds, named for their brilliant pink color and paddle-shaped bill, feed in shallow water by swinging their bill back and forth, scooping up small fish and crustaceans. They typically inhabit mangroves on the coasts of southern Florida, Louisiana and Texas. The 92,000-acre wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0365

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two roseate spoonbills wade in the water...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two roseate spoonbills wade in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The birds, named for their brilliant pi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of black-necked stilts protect their grass-lined nest in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Stilts usually produce three or four brown-spotted buff eggs in a shallow depression lined with grass or shell fragments. In the nesting season they are particularly agressive. Stilts are identified by a distinct head pattern of black and white, very long red legs, and straight, very thin bill. Their habitat is salt marshes and shallow coastal bays from Delaware and northern South America in the East, and freshwater marshes from Oregon and Saskatchewan to the Gulf Coast. The 92,000-acre wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0507

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of black-necked stilts protect th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of black-necked stilts protect their grass-lined nest in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Stilts usually produ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Black-necked Stilt sits on its nest in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Stilts are identified by a distinct head pattern of black and white, very long red legs, and straight, very thin bill. They usually produce three or four brown-spotted buff eggs in a shallow depression lined with grass or shell fragments. In the nesting season they are particularly agressive. Their habitat is salt marshes and shallow coastal bays from Delaware and northern South America in the East, and freshwater marshes from Oregon and Saskatchewan to the Gulf Coast. The 92,000-acre wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0506

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Black-necked Stilt sits on its nest in...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Black-necked Stilt sits on its nest in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Stilts are identified by a di... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A black-necked stilt waits near its nesting mate nest in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Stilts usually produce three or four brown-spotted buff eggs in a shallow depression lined with grass or shell fragments. In the nesting season they are particularly agressive. Stilts are identified by a distinct head pattern of black and white, very long red legs, and straight, very thin bill. Their habitat is salt marshes and shallow coastal bays from Delaware and northern South America in the East, and freshwater marshes from Oregon and Saskatchewan to the Gulf Coast. The 92,000-acre wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0508

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A black-necked stilt waits near its nest...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A black-necked stilt waits near its nesting mate nest in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Stilts usually produce thre... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mother gallinule (right) calls her two chicks to enter the algae-covered water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Gallinules, called Moorhens in the Old World, are duck-like swimming birds that constantly bob their heads while moving. They are identified by the prominent red bill with yellow tip and red frontal shield as well as white feathers under the tail, as shown here on the mother. Gallinules range throughout the Americas, from southern Canada to southern South America, inhabiting freshwater marshes and ponds with cattails and other aquatic vegetation. The 92,000-acre wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0660

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mother gallinule (right) calls her two...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mother gallinule (right) calls her two chicks to enter the algae-covered water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the grounds of Kennedy Space Center, a female Golden-Silk Spider repairs its web. The female can be identified by its brownish-green abdomen with a white spotted irregular pattern. The golden-silk spider repairs the webbing each day, replacing half but never the whole web at one time. Its web may measure two to three feet across. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 92,000-acre refuge that is a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1187

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the grounds of Kennedy Space Center, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the grounds of Kennedy Space Center, a female Golden-Silk Spider repairs its web. The female can be identified by its brownish-green abdomen with a white spotted irregular patte... More

On the grounds of Kennedy Space Center, a female Golden-Silk Spider repairs its web. During the day spider hands head downward from the underside of the web near the center. Its web may measure two to three feet across and it repairs the webbing each day, replacing half but never the whole web at one time. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 92,000-acre refuge that is a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1188

On the grounds of Kennedy Space Center, a female Golden-Silk Spider re...

On the grounds of Kennedy Space Center, a female Golden-Silk Spider repairs its web. During the day spider hands head downward from the underside of the web near the center. Its web may measure two to three fee... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A loggerhead shrike perches on a branch in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The loggerhead shrike prefers grasslands, orchards and open areas with scattered trees throughout a range extending from southern Canada to southern Florida and the Gulf Coast. The Refuge encompasses 92,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1521

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A loggerhead shrike perches on a branch ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A loggerhead shrike perches on a branch in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. The loggerhead shrike prefers grasslands,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of American avocets take time to feed in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Avocets are not commonly seen in the East, but range from Washington and Manitoba south to Texas and California. However, avocets may stray eastward to the Atlantic coast during their southward migration in the fall. Their common habitat is freshwater marshes and shallow marshy lakes. Much like spoonbills, they sweep their bills from side to side along the surface of the water to pick up crustaceans, aquatic insects and floating seeds. The Refuge encompasses 92,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1522

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of American avocets take time to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A flock of American avocets take time to feed in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Avocets are not commo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican and several small egrets rest on the bank of a pond in in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. White pelicans inhabit marshy lakes and along the Pacific and Texas coasts. They winter from Florida and southern California south to Panama, chiefly in coastal lagoons. They are frequently seen flying in long lines, flapping and sailing in unison, but also ride rising air currents to soar gracefully in circles. The range of the egret includes southern and eastern states, Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies. The Refuge encompasses 92,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1523

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican and several small egrets...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican and several small egrets rest on the bank of a pond in in the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Cent... More

A rescued white pelican, dubbed "Fisheater" by his rescuers, takes a tentative step and stretches its wings after being let go at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Looking on is Mark Epstein, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who had held the bird while Kat Royer, also with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, placed on it a leg band issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bird Banding Laboratory. The pelican was found covered in crude oil from a contaminated ditch in northern Indiana in November, and was rescued by a local Police Department, treated, and flown to the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando, Fla. for care and rest. It is being released to join a flock of about 30 other white pelicans that are wintering on the refuge. White pelicans inhabit marshy lakes and along the Pacific and Texas coasts. They winter from Florida and southern California south to Panama, chiefly in coastal lagoons. They are frequently seen flying in long lines, flapping and sailing in unison, but also ride rising air currents to soar gracefully in circles. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 92,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1454

A rescued white pelican, dubbed "Fisheater" by his rescuers, takes a t...

A rescued white pelican, dubbed "Fisheater" by his rescuers, takes a tentative step and stretches its wings after being let go at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Looking on is Mark Epstein, with th... More

Mark Epstein, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, holds a white pelican that will be released under a rain-filled sky at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The bird was found covered in crude oil from a contaminated ditch in northern Indiana in November, and was rescued by a local Police Department, treated, and flown to the Back to Nature Wildlife Center in Orlando, Fla. for care and rest. After Kat Royer, who is with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fits the bird with a leg band issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bird Banding Laboratory, the pelican will be let go to join a flock of about 30 other white pelicans that are wintering on the refuge. White pelicans inhabit marshy lakes and along the Pacific and Texas coasts. They winter from Florida and southern California south to Panama, chiefly in coastal lagoons. They are frequently seen flying in long lines, flapping and sailing in unison, but also ride rising air currents to soar gracefully in circles. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 92,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1451

Mark Epstein, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, holds a white p...

Mark Epstein, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, holds a white pelican that will be released under a rain-filled sky at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The bird was found covered in crude oil... More

Under a rain-filled sky, Mark Epstein holds a rescued white pelican while Kat Royer fixes a leg band on it before releasing it at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Epstein and Royer are with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The bird was found covered in crude oil from a contaminated ditch in northern Indiana in November, and was rescued by a local Police Department, treated, and flown to the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando, Fla. for care and rest. The pelican, dubbed "Fisheater" by its rescuers, will be let go to join a flock of about 30 other white pelicans that are wintering on the refuge. White pelicans inhabit marshy lakes and along the Pacific and Texas coasts. They winter from Florida and southern California south to Panama, chiefly in coastal lagoons. They are frequently seen flying in long lines, flapping and sailing in unison, but also ride rising air currents to soar gracefully in circles. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 92,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects KSC-99pp1452

Under a rain-filled sky, Mark Epstein holds a rescued white pelican wh...

Under a rain-filled sky, Mark Epstein holds a rescued white pelican while Kat Royer fixes a leg band on it before releasing it at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Epstein and Royer are with the U.S.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican named "Fisheater" by its rescuers soars to open water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge as it flies to freedom. The pelican was found covered in crude oil from a contaminated ditch in northern Indiana in November, and was rescued by a local Police Department, treated, and flown to the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando, Fla. for care and rest. It is being released today to join a flock of about 30 other white pelicans that are wintering on the refuge, some of which are nearby. Before its release, however, Kat Royer, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, placed on it a leg band issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bird Banding Laboratory. White pelicans inhabit marshy lakes and along the Pacific and Texas coasts. They winter from Florida and southern California south to Panama, chiefly in coastal lagoons. They are frequently seen flying in long lines, flapping and sailing in unison, but also ride rising air currents to soar gracefully in circles. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 92,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects. KSC-99pp1456

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican named "Fisheater" by its...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A white pelican named "Fisheater" by its rescuers soars to open water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge as it flies to freedom. The pelican was found covered in crude ... More

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