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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 is a great place for birding. A good place to start exploring the refuge is the Visitor Information Center. You can get a map, buy a daily pass and check the log for recent bird sightings.
Behind the Visitor Center is a short walking trail, a 1/4 mile loop. The boardwalk offers views of two freshwater ponds, hammock, a wetland prairie and associated birds. The trail is wheelchair accessible and there are three benches along the boardwalk. Herons, egrets, waders ducks, woodpeckers, Anhinga, Black Skimmer, Roseate Spoonbill, Florida Scrub-Jay, White Ibis and Belted Kingfisher can be observed. In winter sometimes Painted Bunting can be spotted.
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 Merritt Island Visitor Information Center is located east of Titusville. After passing the Max Brewer Causeway Bridge, 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. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates.
The Visitor Center 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. You can purchase a Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Pass here (required to enter the 'Black Point Wildlife Drive' and 'Biolab Road', see separate entries on Birdingplaces). A daily pass is $ 10 per vehicle (2023).