Merritt Island Refugewinter wildlife
Winter birding season: the cool months, November through April, are generally the best birding of the year, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 1–Apr 30). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Merritt Island Refuge · September
- Fall songbird migration, especially warblers (fall on the refuge bird list: September–November) · Sep–Nov
- Waterfowl hunting in designated hunt areas, September through January · Sep–Jan
34days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 1–Apr 30, local timing
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring songbird migration, especially warblers (spring on the refuge bird list: March–May)Mar–May
- Fall songbird migration, especially warblers (fall on the refuge bird list: September–November)NowSep–Nov
- Waterfowl hunting in designated hunt areas, September through JanuaryNowSep–Jan
- Best birding of the year, November through April (winter waterfowl concentrations often top 100,000)Nov–Apr
Where to watch
- Black Point Wildlife DriveA 7-mile auto tour and the refuge's most popular wildlife viewing area; a Refuge Pass is required, and the Cruickshank Trail starts off the drive with two observation towers near its start.
- Visitor Center Trail boardwalkA quarter-mile, wheelchair-accessible loop right behind the visitor center, with views of two freshwater ponds; the visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Merritt Island Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Wildlife watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR Bird List (2019–2020) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Hunting (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Winter birding season: the cool months, November through April, are generally the best birding of the year, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 1–Apr 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 34 days (Nov 1–Apr 30, local timing).
Is there a fee?
Yes. A Refuge Pass is needed for Black Point Wildlife Drive and Bio Lab Road; the daily pass is $10 per vehicle, sold at the visitor center, online at Recreation.gov, or at self-pay stations with exact change.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the roads and trails open?
Refuge roads, trails and boat ramps are open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center, with restrooms and a short boardwalk, is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can a rocket launch close the refuge?
It can. NASA may occasionally restrict access to refuge roads, the visitor center, boat ramps and other areas during launch operations at Kennedy Space Center.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring on the trails?
Water, sunscreen and insect protection: many trails lack shade, and biting and stinging insects can be out in any season. Bicycles aren't allowed on the listed trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merritt Island NWR: Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Black Point Wildlife Drive: a 7-mile auto tour and the refuge's most popular wildlife viewing area; a Refuge Pass is required, and the Cruickshank Trail starts off the drive with two observation towers near its start.; Visitor Center Trail boardwalk: a quarter-mile, wheelchair-accessible loop right behind the visitor center, with views of two freshwater ponds; the visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday..
What is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Best birding of the year, November through April (winter waterfowl concentrations often top 100,000) (Nov–Apr), Spring songbird migration, especially warblers (spring on the refuge bird list: March–May) (Mar–May), Fall songbird migration, especially warblers (fall on the refuge bird list: September–November) (Sep–Nov) and Waterfowl hunting in designated hunt areas, September through January (Sep–Jan).