a blue and white bird sitting on top of a tree

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Bahama Mockingbird

Mimus gundlachii

6/2/2026Blue Heron WTF & Wetlands (open weekdays only)1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/2/2026Blue Heron WTF & Wetlands (open weekdays only)1 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

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

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

5/31/20264796–4798 Cheney Hwy, Mims US-FL 28.54382, -80.932531 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

Anhinga

186/2/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Tricolored Heron

36/2/2026

Green Heron

86/2/2026

Great Egret

66/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

76/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

146/2/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

126/2/2026

Common Ground Dove

26/1/2026

King Rail

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/1/2026

White Ibis

56/1/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

26/1/2026

Reddish Egret

36/1/2026

Snowy Egret

56/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive 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 - Black Point Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Virginia Rail, Common Gallinule, Swallow-tailed Kite, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Short-billed Dowitcher, Wilson's Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive?
The entrance fee at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.