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 210 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, and Red Knot 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

Tricolored Heron

25/31/2026

Snowy Egret

35/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Brown Pelican

35/31/2026

Black Vulture

35/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Osprey

55/31/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

15/31/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/31/2026

Royal Tern

35/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

White Ibis

15/31/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

45/31/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/31/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

25/31/2026

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 Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Red Knot, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull. 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.