Coastal birding habitat

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts White Ibis, Brown Pelican, and Black Vulture 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

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

Common Ground Dove

26/1/2026

Royal Tern

56/1/2026

Anhinga

26/1/2026

White Ibis

76/1/2026

Tricolored Heron

56/1/2026

Great Egret

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

66/1/2026

Brown Pelican

756/1/2026

Black Vulture

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

66/1/2026

Osprey

26/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Fish Crow

26/1/2026

Carolina Wren

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/1/2026

Snowy Egret

35/31/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

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 - Haulover Canal Area for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area 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 - Haulover Canal Area?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area include White Ibis, Brown Pelican, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area 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 - Haulover Canal Area?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.