Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, White Ibis, and Osprey 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 Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

3/3/2026Cocoa, Florida1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/6/2026

Gray Catbird

23/6/2026

Common Grackle

23/6/2026

Northern Parula

43/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

23/6/2026

Green Heron

33/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

White Ibis

23/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

103/5/2026

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 - Visitor Information Center for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center 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 - Visitor Information Center?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center include Mourning Dove, White Ibis, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center 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 - Visitor Information Center?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.