Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, and Killdeer 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

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

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

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/2026Osteen park1 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

122/22/2026

Lesser Scaup

42/22/2026

Killdeer

12/22/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

22/22/2026

Least Sandpiper

42/22/2026

Wood Stork

22/22/2026

Anhinga

22/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/22/2026

White Ibis

92/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/22/2026

Black Vulture

142/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

42/22/2026

Northern Harrier

12/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

22/22/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

62/22/2026

Tricolored Heron

12/21/2026

Great Egret

12/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/21/2026

Common Gallinule

12/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/21/2026

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 - Peacocks Pocket for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket 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 - Peacocks Pocket?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket include Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket 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 - Peacocks Pocket?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.