Coastal birding habitat

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalChaparralWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and chaparral habitat attracts Wood Stork, Glossy Ibis, and Roseate Spoonbill 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

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

Osprey

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Northern Flicker

36/1/2026

Florida Scrub-Jay

36/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

36/1/2026

Eastern Towhee

16/1/2026

Common Grackle

26/1/2026

Reddish Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

White Ibis

15/30/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

65/30/2026

Mourning Dove

35/30/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/26/2026

Killdeer

15/26/2026

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 - Scrub Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail 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 - Scrub Trail?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail include Wood Stork, Glossy Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret, American White Pelican. The area supports coastal, chaparral, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail 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 - Scrub Trail?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Scrub Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.