Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Bio Lab Road

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

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

Mottled Duck Common Gallinule American Coot Limpkin Black-bellied Plover

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

5/30/20264799 Cheney Hwy, Titusville US-FL 28.54354, -80.931791 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

5/29/2026Fox Lake Park2 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

5/26/2026MINWR Haulover Canal NW3 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

5/17/2026Parrish Park/Max Brewer Causeway1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/17/2026Merritt Island NWR--Bio. Lab Boat Ramp1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/17/2026Merritt Island NWR--East Gator Creek1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/17/2026Merritt Island NWR--East Gator Creek1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

25/30/2026

Common Gallinule

75/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

45/30/2026

Royal Tern

35/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/30/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/30/2026

Green Heron

15/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/30/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

45/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/30/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

15/27/2026

White Ibis

15/27/2026

Glossy Ibis

15/27/2026

Little Blue Heron

35/27/2026

Snowy Egret

55/27/2026

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

Auto Tour Route

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Florida Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Florida →

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Fall Bird Migration Guide

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Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.