Coastal birding habitat

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Peacocks Pocket

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
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

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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/11/2026Orlando Wetlands1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/11/2026Orlando Wetlands1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/8/2026SR-528 E, Cocoa US-FL 28.40214, -80.738261 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/4/2026SR-528 Toll W, Cocoa US-FL 28.41375, -80.837831 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk (extimus)

Buteo lineatus

7/4/2026Orlando Wetlands2 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

7/3/2026Merritt Island NWR--Haulover Canal Area11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/15/2026

Common Nighthawk

67/15/2026

Anhinga

67/15/2026

White Ibis

27/15/2026

Tricolored Heron

157/15/2026

Snowy Egret

17/15/2026

Green Heron

37/15/2026

Great Egret

107/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Osprey

37/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

407/15/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

27/15/2026

Blue Jay

17/15/2026

Fish Crow

47/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/14/2026

Common Grackle

27/14/2026

Common Gallinule

27/14/2026

Least Bittern

17/14/2026

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.