Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts White Ibis, Brown Pelican, and Black Vulture among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

3/5/2026C.S. Lee Park1 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

3/5/2026C.S. Lee Park1 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

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

2/28/2026Merritt Island NWR (Please consider using more specific locations)1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

2/28/2026Merritt Island NWR (Please consider using more specific locations)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Laughing Gull

103/6/2026

Royal Tern

223/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

953/6/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

53/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Fish Crow

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

23/6/2026

Black Vulture

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

83/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Great Horned Owl

23/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

Eastern Towhee

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/6/2026

White Ibis

23/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

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 - Haulover Canal Area for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area 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 - Haulover Canal Area?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area include White Ibis, Brown Pelican, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area 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 - Haulover Canal Area?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.