Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/6/2026SR-50 Public Boat Ramp (Orange co.)1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/6/2026Home Turf2 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/1/2026Orlando Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

23/6/2026

Blue-winged Teal

1003/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

303/6/2026

Gadwall

13/6/2026

Northern Pintail

13/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

Common Gallinule

203/6/2026

American Coot

13/6/2026

Black-bellied Plover

13/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Semipalmated Plover

13/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

23/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

23/6/2026

Laughing Gull

13/6/2026

Forster's Tern

103/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/6/2026

Wood Stork

53/6/2026

Anhinga

103/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

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 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 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?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mottled Duck. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 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?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.