Coastal birding habitat

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, White Ibis, and Osprey 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

7/19/2026Merritt Island NWR--Haulover Canal Area11 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/18/2026Kelly Park - East1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Osprey

47/19/2026

Summer Tanager

27/19/2026

Anhinga

17/16/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/16/2026

Carolina Wren

17/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/10/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/10/2026

Mourning Dove

27/8/2026

Common Ground Dove

77/8/2026

Common Gallinule

17/8/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/8/2026

White Ibis

17/8/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/8/2026

Tricolored Heron

27/8/2026

Snowy Egret

47/8/2026

Green Heron

17/8/2026

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 - Visitor Information Center for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center 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 - Visitor Information Center?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center include Mourning Dove, White Ibis, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center 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 - Visitor Information Center?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Information Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.