Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/6/2026Orlando Wetlands1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/6/2026Home Turf2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026SR-50 St. John's River Bridge (Orange co.)2 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

3/3/2026Merritt Island NWR--Haulover Canal Area1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/2/2026Merritt Island NWR--Black Point Wildlife Drive1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/2/2026Canaveral National Seashore--Apollo Beach1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/1/2026Orlando Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Anhinga

23/5/2026

Great Egret

23/5/2026

Black Vulture

53/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/5/2026

Osprey

23/5/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/5/2026

Florida Scrub-Jay

23/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

603/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

703/3/2026

Gadwall

13/3/2026

American Wigeon

603/3/2026

Mottled Duck

23/3/2026

Northern Pintail

23/3/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/3/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/3/2026

Common Gallinule

43/3/2026

American Avocet

103/3/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mottled Duck. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.