Wetland birding habitat

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Shiloh Marsh Road

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Shiloh Marsh Road is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Mottled Duck, Killdeer, and Wilson's Snipe 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

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

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

5/19/2026Lighthouse Point Park & Jetty1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

15/30/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/30/2026

White Ibis

155/30/2026

Brown Pelican

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

45/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Florida Scrub-Jay

35/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/30/2026

Wild Turkey

35/25/2026

Black Vulture

35/25/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/25/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

15/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

75/20/2026

Osprey

15/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/20/2026

Northern Flicker

35/20/2026

Common Grackle

25/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Shiloh Marsh Road for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Shiloh Marsh Road 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 - Shiloh Marsh Road?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Shiloh Marsh Road include Mottled Duck, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Shiloh Marsh Road?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Shiloh Marsh Road 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 - Shiloh Marsh Road?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Shiloh Marsh Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.