Coastal birding habitat

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Volusia co.)

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Volusia co.) is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

6/3/2026Cape Canaveral National Seashore--Apollo Beach--Parking Area 42 observed

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

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/23/2026Orlando Wetlands4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Barred Owl

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

85/31/2026

Northern Parula

35/31/2026

Red Junglefowl

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

125/31/2026

Common Nighthawk

35/31/2026

Anhinga

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

White Ibis

75/31/2026

Black Vulture

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

55/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

105/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

85/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

55/31/2026

Northern Flicker

35/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

65/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

185/31/2026

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 (Volusia co.) for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Volusia co.) 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 (Volusia co.)?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Volusia co.) include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Volusia co.)?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Volusia co.) 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 (Volusia co.)?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Volusia co.) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.