The Binocular Site
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Residing on the “Space Coast”, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge lies just to the northwest of Cape Canaveral.
One of the easiest ways to see the wildlife is to take the famous Black Point Wildlife Drive. It offers you the vast variety of wildlife available right from the comfort of your car. However, be aware that access to the refuge may be restricted during Space Shuttle launches.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1943 and its 140,000 acres create a wide variety of ecosystems such as coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries, saltwater marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. This diverse complex of habitats plays home to a huge variety of animal and plant life including 21 endangered species.
The refuge is an important location on the Atlantic flyway, and is a winter home for thousands of migrating birds. More than 330 species of birds have been recorded in the refuge including many shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and passerines.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge boasts one of the largest populations of the threatened Florida Scrub Jay. This species is exclusive to the State of Florida. Other rarities you can hope to spot at the refuge include Wood Storks, Roseate Terns and Piping Plovers.
The Florida state bird is officially listed as the Northern Mockingbird and you can print out a checklist for birding in Florida here.
Photo credit to acaben, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the facts, history, wildlife, and habitat of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and see some photos here.
If you've visited the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Florida birding location below.
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