Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalChaparralWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and chaparral habitat attracts Wood Stork, Glossy Ibis, and Roseate Spoonbill 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

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

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

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

33/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

523/5/2026

White Ibis

1533/5/2026

Glossy Ibis

3003/5/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

103/5/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/5/2026

Great Egret

93/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Brown Pelican

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Florida Scrub-Jay

33/5/2026

Fish Crow

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

163/5/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

93/5/2026

Palm Warbler

13/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

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 - Scrub Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail 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 - Scrub Trail?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail include Wood Stork, Glossy Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret, American White Pelican. The area supports coastal, chaparral, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail 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 - Scrub Trail?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.