Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/6/2026Orlando Wetlands1 observed

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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

3/5/2026C.S. Lee Park1 observed

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

3/5/2026C.S. Lee Park1 observed

American Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

3/3/2026Cocoa, Florida1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

2053/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

853/6/2026

Mottled Duck

23/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

303/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

13/6/2026

Black-bellied Plover

43/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

103/6/2026

Dunlin

1103/6/2026

Laughing Gull

53/6/2026

Caspian Tern

13/6/2026

Forster's Tern

83/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

73/6/2026

Anhinga

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/6/2026

White Ibis

63/6/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

23/6/2026

Little Blue Heron

23/6/2026

Tricolored Heron

53/6/2026

Reddish Egret

23/6/2026

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.

  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.