Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
by Ben Prepelka
Title
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
Artist
Ben Prepelka
Medium
Photograph
Description
Stretching from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the Caribbean Islands in the tropics, America's National Wildlife Refuge System protects more than 150 million acres in 557 refuges. Here in central Florida, where NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building dominates the skyline, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Covering 140,000 acres the refuge incorporates thousands of barrier islets, providing the perfect habitat for subtropical plants and one of the highest numbers of endangered and threatened animal species.
Located on a migratory route, the refuge supports thousands and thousands of ducks, coots, terns and raptors. The mud flats and shallow marshes team with life, ranging from microorganisms to shrimp, small fish and crabs. Here in the refuge mangrove trees are a critical part of the Florida ecosystem. Pictured here, the red mangroves (rhizophora mangle) are home to a massive array of wildlife, including fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and mammal species.
Uploaded
March 6th, 2022
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Comments (18)
Gary F Richards
Magnificent Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge capture, lighting, shading and artwork! F/L voted
Calvin Boyer
In addition to the banner, I am adding this more permanent recognition of its FEATURE on the homepage of A TREE OR TREES IN BLACK AND WHITE. I try mightily to feature only images that would be at home in a juried competition. No doubt that this image fits that bill. CONGRATULATIONS! And consider adding your image to DISCUSSIONS "Please post your featured photograph here" for greater, long-lasting visibility.
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