Birding

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Best time to see: November – February

Florida’s Space Coast is a birders’ paradise. All winter long, birds of all feathers flock to our wetlands and marshes for warm weather and lots of food. Here you’ll find 38 stops on the The Great Florida Birding Trail where you can spot scrub jays, flamingos, spoonbills and so many more. Bring your binoculars and enjoy their flight!

pelican at the canaveral national seashore

Top Spots for Bird Watching

Florida’s Space Coast’s diverse ecosystems and year-round gorgeous weather make for some particularly incredible bird watching opportunities. Here are a few of our favorite spots to watch the birds fly by.

The Complete Great Florida Birding Trail

Birds love it here

egret at the merritt island national wildlife refuge

Space Coast Birding Festival

If you love birds and love taking pictures of them, the Space Coast Birding Festival is THE event you need to plan for. Every year, remarkable photographers and enthusiastic birders gather on the Space Coast for guided tours of our top birding spots. Professionals teach the tricks of the trade and take you on guided excursions to see native and migratory birds in their natural habitat.

Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival

Birds in Distress?

If you happen to see an animal in distress while you’re on your Space Coast Vacation, please stay away from the animals and call in the professionals. Fish and Wildlife Commission and Florida Wildlife Hospital are active in our community and are trained to handle hurt, sick or otherwise distressed animals. Here’s  who you should call if you see a bird in need of assistance.

 

Florida Wildlife Hospital: 321-254-8843
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission: 1-888-404-FWCC