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

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

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

7/2/2026Barna Ave area off of 405,Titusville,Florida1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/2/2026Merritt Island NWR--Black Point Wildlife Drive1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/30/2026Merritt Island NWR--Scrub Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/8/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/8/2026

Green Heron

17/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/8/2026

Osprey

57/8/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/8/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/3/2026

Carolina Wren

17/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/30/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

16/30/2026

Mottled Duck

26/30/2026

Common Ground Dove

26/30/2026

Glossy Ibis

56/30/2026

Great Egret

46/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

46/30/2026

Northern Flicker

26/30/2026

Blue Jay

26/30/2026

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.