Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.)

Florida · Southeast

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.) is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Magnificent Frigatebird, Ruddy Turnstone, and Laughing Gull among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Magnificent Frigatebird Ruddy Turnstone Laughing Gull Ring-billed Gull Royal Tern

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026T M Goodwin Rd, Fellsmere US-FL 27.82501, -80.707951 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

3/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park2 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

3/4/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/3/2026IRCO Fellsmere House1 observed

Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

3/2/2026Fishermans Landing (Grant Co.)5 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

3/1/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

2/28/2026121 North Cypress Street, Fellsmere, Florida, US (27.773, -80.604)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

2/26/2026Tenth Ct, Vero Beach US-FL 27.61169, -80.394561 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

2/26/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP - Yellow Trail1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/26/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

2/26/2026T.M. Goodwin WMA--Broadmoor Unit1 observed

Tropical Kingbird (Middle American)

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/25/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/20268301–8355 85th St, Vero Beach US-FL 27.74876, -80.495621 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

2/24/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP (Indian River Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Laughing Gull

73/4/2026

Royal Tern

93/4/2026

Wood Stork

43/4/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

13/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/4/2026

White Ibis

73/4/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Snowy Egret

13/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Brown Pelican

83/4/2026

Black Vulture

13/4/2026

Osprey

33/4/2026

Fish Crow

13/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

32/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

12/22/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

42/22/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Florida

Everglades National Park

Vast subtropical wilderness with incredible wading bird concentrations and tropical species.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Remote island migrant trap with the only continental US Sooty Tern colony.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel Island mangrove refuge with spectacular wading bird viewing from Wildlife Drive.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.)?▼

Notable species at Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.) include Magnificent Frigatebird, Ruddy Turnstone, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Royal Tern. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.)?▼

Birding at Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.)?▼

Sebastian Inlet State Park (Indian River co.) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.