![]() ![]() Cruickshank Trail, a 5-mile loop around Black Point Marsh and a tower for viewing the wetlands. 9, you’ll find the trailhead for the Allan D. 4 is designated as the “Bird Trail,” where you can perch in a viewing blind overlooking the mud flats and marshes. ![]() You can stop at any point along the trail but there are two larger parking lots and walks. On our 2021 visit, we did not see an eagle nest but we did spot bald eagles on two occasions. In the past I have visited Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge when there was a bald eagle nest visible from Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, identified with a sign. For me the exciting sight was the flock of hooded mergansers because of their preposterous Mohawk head feathers and ridiculous hoods. We are not expert birders, so were thrilled to have others point out a few rarer species – the cinnamon teal a northern pintail duck. Many are so excited about what they’re seeing, they want to share it. If you can’t identify what you’re seeing, in general, birders are happy to help. Where the birding is good, you’ll see the binoculars, cameras and tripods and long lenses come out. Kingfisher at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. ![]() (If you have a national park pass as a senior citizen or veteran, here’s where you save $10.) The brochure details what to look for at each of a dozen primary stops along the drive.īest 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. When you get out, as people do where there are good views of birds in the wetlands, you are urged to move carefully and quietly without slamming car doors.īiking and walking the trail is discouraged because of traffic safety concerns.Īt the entrance to the drive, be sure to pick up a self-guided tour brochure when you pay your $10 fee (honor system), which also gives you access to other fee areas of the park, such as boat ramps. Cars work like “blinds” allowing visitors to see wildlife up close. On winter weekends, it may be full of cars moving slowly and quietly. (Photo: David Blasco) Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, the highlight of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refugeīlackpoint Wildlife Drive is a 7.7 mile long, one-way one-lane dirt road through areas of the refuge where the water level is managed to benefit wildlife. Eagle in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of two we spotted on a January day. Keep in mind, the body of water bordering Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is named Mosquito Lagoon and, in summer, you’ll find out why. The best time to visit is October to March it’s the peak wildlife season and the best weather. The best birding is actually done via car along Blackpoint Wildlife Drive and the prettiest walk in the refuge is a quarter-mile accessible boardwalk behind the visitor center. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge also makes a good destination for those who love nature but have limited mobility. There is also a lovely historic spot, Seminole Rest, on the north end of the refuge. The vast number and array of birds in the wetlands in winter would impress anyone, even if they can’t identify many of them, and alligators are easy to spot. It’s a weekend getaway from Tampa and South Florida, with a two- to three-hour drive.īirders will love it, but even those with only a casual interest in birds will find much to like. It’s a one-hour drive and an excellent daytrip from Orlando and Daytona Beach. Located in the middle of Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is convenient to millions of residents and visitors. Vista along Blackpoint Wildlife Drive in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Photo: Bonnie Gross) Visiting Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge The American bald eagle is a common sight. With seven distinct habitats, 500 species of wildlife and more than 1,000 species of plants, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is an environmental treasure.Ĭoncentrations of waterfowl - ducks, geese, swans, herons, egrets, ibis, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans - often exceed 100,000 birds in the winter months, and many can be found here year round. The 140,000 acre refuge is one of the best places in Florida to see birds in the winter, plus it offers boating, hiking and much natural beauty. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Birds flock to wetlands along Blackpoint Wildlife Drive. But it was created as an afterthought – this land was originally purchased to be part of Kennedy Space Center and was only later designated a refuge. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge east of Titusville is a remarkable preserve that is home to an incredible 357 species of birds and all sorts of other wildlife. ![]()
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