"Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

"Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Common Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, and Semipalmated Plover 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

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

3/4/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary1 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

White-winged Dove

23/6/2026

Common Gallinule

23/6/2026

American Coot

503/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/6/2026

Killdeer

23/6/2026

Wood Stork

13/6/2026

Anhinga

103/6/2026

White Ibis

153/6/2026

Glossy Ibis

33/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

123/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/6/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/6/2026

Fish Crow

23/6/2026

Purple Martin

23/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/6/2026

Cedar Waxwing

33/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

23/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands?
Notable species at "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands include Common Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Semipalmated Plover, Forster's Tern, Wood Stork, Mallard, Mottled Duck, Lesser Scaup, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Egret, Laughing Gull, Anhinga. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands?
Birding at "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands?
There is no entrance fee at "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at "Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands?
"Viera" Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.