Wading birds along Black Point Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandMarshCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-February

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Sunrise to sunset daily

About This Location

Merritt Island NWR shares the Kennedy Space Center landscape, creating a unique juxtaposition of wildlife and technology. The Black Point Wildlife Drive traverses impoundments hosting huge numbers of waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds in winter.

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

4/15/2026NW Haulover Rd, Titusville US-FL 28.73079, -80.7613116 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/15/2026Orlando Wetlands9 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/14/2026Orlando Wetlands3 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

4/14/2026Hand Fern Swamp (28.756, -80.908)6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

14/15/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Royal Tern

24/15/2026

Snowy Egret

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

14/15/2026

Florida Scrub-Jay

34/15/2026

Carolina Wren

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/15/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

114/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/15/2026

White Ibis

24/15/2026

Brown Pelican

34/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Laughing Gull

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Drive Black Point Wildlife Drive early in the morning

  2. 2

    Check the scrub habitat areas for Florida Scrub-Jays

  3. 3

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Check the tide schedule — shorebirds are most active during falling and low tides

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are November-February. The best seasons are Winter.
What birds can I see at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge include Florida Scrub-Jay, Black-necked Stilt, Reddish Egret, Painted Bunting, Bald Eagle, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Swallow-tailed Kite, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland, marsh, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily.
What amenities are available at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Auto Tour Route, Trails.