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

4/18/2026Merritt Island NWR--Haulover Canal Area19 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

4/18/2026Merritt Island NWR--East Gator Creek1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

4/18/2026Canaveral National Seashore, Cape Canaveral US-FL 28.73300, -80.751681 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/18/2026Orlando Wetlands Park4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Stork

14/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/18/2026

Common Gallinule

64/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

34/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

44/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/18/2026

Forster's Tern

14/18/2026

Anhinga

14/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/18/2026

White Ibis

14/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

34/18/2026

Little Blue Heron

24/18/2026

Tricolored Heron

74/18/2026

Snowy Egret

124/18/2026

Green Heron

24/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/18/2026

American White Pelican

124/18/2026

Brown Pelican

24/18/2026

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.