Coastal birding habitat

Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Redhead, Lesser Scaup, and Surf Scoter 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

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

6/3/2026Cape Canaveral National Seashore--Apollo Beach--Parking Area 41 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

6/3/2026Cape Canaveral National Seashore--Apollo Beach--Parking Area 41 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/3/2026Cape Canaveral National Seashore--Apollo Beach--Parking Area 41 observed

Band-rumped Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates castro

6/3/2026Canaveral National Seashore--Lot #51 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

6/3/2026Canaveral National Seashore--Lot #51 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

6/2/2026Smyrna Dunes Park1 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

6/1/2026Merritt Island NWR--Black Point Wildlife Drive1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

5/31/2026Aurantia Rd Trailhead (Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail)12 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

5/31/2026Aurantia Rd Trailhead (Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

15/30/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/30/2026

White Ibis

155/30/2026

Brown Pelican

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

45/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Florida Scrub-Jay

35/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/30/2026

Wild Turkey

35/25/2026

Black Vulture

35/25/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/25/2026

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 Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach?
Notable species at Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach include Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach?
Birding at Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach?
Canaveral National Seashore - Apollo Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.