Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian habitat attracts Lesser Scaup, Common Ground Dove, and Mourning Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026T M Goodwin Rd, Fellsmere US-FL 27.82501, -80.707951 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/20268740 Indiana Avenue, Melbourne, Florida, US (28.072, -80.684)1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

3/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park2 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

3/5/2026Orlando Melbourne International Airport2 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

3/4/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary1 observed

Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

3/2/2026Fishermans Landing (Grant Co.)5 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

3/1/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

2/28/2026121 North Cypress Street, Fellsmere, Florida, US (27.773, -80.604)1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

2/26/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP - Yellow Trail1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/26/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

2/26/2026T.M. Goodwin WMA--Broadmoor Unit1 observed

Tropical Kingbird (Middle American)

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/25/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/20268301–8355 85th St, Vero Beach US-FL 27.74876, -80.495621 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

2/24/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP (Indian River Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lesser Scaup

12003/5/2026

Common Ground Dove

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

153/5/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

23/5/2026

Anhinga

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/5/2026

White Ibis

13/5/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

13/5/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Brown Pelican

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

63/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

153/5/2026

Osprey

63/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

73/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Merlin

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

93/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park?
Notable species at Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park include Lesser Scaup, Common Ground Dove, Mourning Dove, Magnificent Frigatebird, Anhinga. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park?
Birding at Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park?
Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.