River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Northern Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, and Limpkin 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

3/6/2026River Lakes Conservation Area--Moccasin Island2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

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

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

3/5/2026Orlando Melbourne International Airport2 observed

American Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

3/3/2026Cocoa, Florida1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

3/2/2026606 Gina Ln, Melbourne US-FL 28.24140, -80.687731 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/2026Osteen park1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

2/28/2026Sams House at Pine Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Limpkin

33/6/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/6/2026

Green Heron

13/6/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

43/6/2026

Great Egret

23/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

253/6/2026

Crested Caracara

23/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/6/2026

Fish Crow

23/6/2026

Tree Swallow

73/6/2026

Sedge Wren

13/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

63/6/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

23/6/2026

Palm Warbler

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

123/6/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

83/6/2026

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 River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island for birding?
The best months to visit River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island?
Notable species at River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island include Northern Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, Limpkin, Sandhill Crane, Wilson's Snipe. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island?
Birding at River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island?
River Lakes Conservation Area - Moccasin Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.