Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Mottled Duck, Common Gallinule, and American Coot 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

3/6/2026Home Turf2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026SR-50 St. John's River Bridge (Orange co.)2 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

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

2/28/2026Merritt Island NWR (Please consider using more specific locations)1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

2/28/2026Merritt Island NWR (Please consider using more specific locations)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

53/6/2026

American Coot

23/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/6/2026

Forster's Tern

13/6/2026

Anhinga

43/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/6/2026

White Ibis

33/6/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

83/6/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

43/6/2026

Great Egret

123/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/6/2026

Osprey

23/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/6/2026

Limpkin

13/2/2026

Black-bellied Plover

13/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

33/2/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

143/2/2026

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 - Bio Lab Road for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road 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 - Bio Lab Road?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road include Mottled Duck, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Limpkin, Black-bellied Plover. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road 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 - Bio Lab Road?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.