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Description
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 for the protection of migratory birds. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the refuge provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, managed impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. Merritt Island NWR is a great place for birding. Most birders head straight to the world-renowned 7-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive (a one way auto tour loop).
The best time to visit the Black Point Wildlife Drive is October to March. It’s the peak wildlife season and the best weather. Birding and wildlife viewing is excellent on Black Point during autumn and winter. Best time to venture out is early morning, within an hour or two of sunrise, for the fewest number of people and the most opportunities to view wildlife. Drive the 7,7 mile/ 12,4 km one way dirt road very slowly, and scan the impoundments for Sora, Northern Pintail, American Avocet and Reddish Egret. Rarities like Eurasian Wigeon and Cinnamon Teal have been found. You can stop at any point along the trail but there are two larger parking lots and walks.
Details
Access
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on Florida’s Central East Coast about 30 minutes south of Daytona Beach at exit 220 on I 95 at State Road 406. The Black Point Wildlife Drive at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located 3.5 miles east of Titusville. From I-95, take Exit 220 (Titusville, State Road 406 Exit). Drive east on SR406, also known as Garden Street. Continue east on Garden Street for 4 miles and travel over the Max Brewer Causeway Bridge. Follow the road across a bridge and continue on it when it turns left. The wildlife drive, clearly marked with a large sign, will soon appear on the left. A Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Pass is required to enter the Black Point Wildlife Drive. A daily pass is $ 10 per vehicle (2023) Daily passes may be purchased from the Visitor Information Center, self-pay stations, or you can buy your pass online (see the link below).
To reach the Visitor Information Center, continue 4 miles past the Refuge entrance (remain to your right at the fork in the road) and the Visitor Center entrance sign will be on your right. The Visitor Center of Merritt Island NWR is open year round, 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Refuge roads, trails and boat ramps are open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Mud flats , DunesConditions
Open landscape , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Photo Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge by Sudhirpv, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons