Space Coast Birding Hotspots
Brevard County, Florida, is a birding paradise that offers an unparalleled experience for bird enthusiasts. Nestled along the Atlantic Coast, this region boasts a diverse range of habitats, from pristine beaches and coastal lagoons to lush wetlands and dense forests. This variety of ecosystems attracts an impressive array of bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatching year-round.
Brevard County is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a critical migration route, allowing birders to witness spectacular seasonal migrations. The area’s commitment to conservation and the presence of renowned birding sites, such as the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Viera Wetlands, enhance its reputation as a premier birding destination. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious nature lover, Brevard County’s rich avian diversity and scenic beauty promise an unforgettable birdwatching adventure.
Addresses shown below may be headquarters instead of the actual property. Please plan accordingly.
North Brevard Hotspots
Blue Heron Wetlands
Address: 4800 Deep Marsh Rd, Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (321) 455-5145
The Blue Heron Wetlands is in Titusville near I-95 at exit 215. This is an automobile loop road around a man-made wetlands. The link below will give the access days, hours, procedures, and rules.
At this location you may find ducks, such as Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Lesser Scaup. Many species of herons are found here, such as Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Western Cattle Egret, Tricolored Heron, Snowy Egret, and Green Heron. Both Black and Turkey Vultures are common, and you may see Osprey and Bald Eagles fishing or flying over. In the water you may find Black-necked Stilt, Anhingas, and both Common and Purple Gallinules. Passerine species can be found in the brush along both sides of the path, and (depending on the season) include Blue Jay, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Mockingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned Warbler, and more. King, Clapper, and Virginia Rails have also been reported.
Canaveral National Seashore
The most important thing to do when visiting the Canaveral National Seashore is to check the website. The seashore has an admission charge that is at least $20, but there are multiple passes that are accepted for free access. The website will also have closing information and hours which change periodically. You will want to have with you water and snacks as nothing is available at the beach.
There are 2 sections, one accessible from New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, and one from Titusville in Brevard County.
From Titusville, you will be accessing Playalinda Beach at Canaveral National Seashore. Upon arrival, if traffic allows, pull over just before the toll booth, and watch for Florida Scrub-Jays. This area is excellent for this bird. While around this vicinity, watch and listen for Northern Bobwhite, keeping mindful that alligators can be in this area as well as snakes.
At the toll booth, on the left side of the pay window is a white board with important messages such as tide times, and beach hazards. Take a moment so that you will be prepared. Leaving the pay window, look at the flag pole. Here is where the warning flags will be flying if beach hazards are present.
Once past the toll booth, you will find 5 pull over vistas before you get out to the beach. Take advantage of each one, and scan the areas for many surprises such as ducks, wading birds and shore birds.
Once you reach the beach area, you will find 13 parking lots that allow access over the dune to the ocean. Parking lots 1, 2, and 3 have the best rocket viewing. Around parking lot 7 and 8 you will find Eddy Creek, which has a raised deck on top of the dune and picnic tables. However, remember that pets are not allowed on the beach. This is a good vantage point to watch for pelagics.
Parking at Eddy Creek you can walk to the far end of the parking lot, and in the boat launch area, manatees are frequently sighted. On the beach road itself, bobcat are frequently sighted as well.
The beach road ends at parking lot 13, past the sign advising that folks that like to sun without clothing will be encountered there.
From the New Smryna end, there is a visitor center, and five parking areas similar to Playalinda. In addition there is a historic home that is open to be toured occasionally. In this vicinity is a lovely boardwalk through a hammock on top of an indian mound. It’s always worth a look to see what you can find.
Address: 212 S. Washington Ave. Titusville, FL 32796
Phone: (321) 267-1110
Enchanted Forest
Address: 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (321) 264-5185
The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, a flagship property of the Brevard County EEL Program, was the first to be acquired by the program. Spanning 470 acres, this forest is part of a growing network of sanctuaries being developed by the EEL Program within the county.
Situated at the southern edge of Titusville, the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary safeguards a variety of natural habitats. Visitors can explore several miles of hiking trails and enjoy activities such as wildlife observation, nature photography, and hiking. The sanctuary hosts an abundance of plant life, with both temperate (northern) and subtropical (southern) species thriving together. The Management & Education Center provides educational resources about the sanctuary’s unique natural features for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary includes five primary habitat types: oak scrub, mesic and hydric hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Wildlife species that inhabit the sanctuary include the Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub lizard, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, and bobcat.
Please note that, as of this writing, the sanctuary is closed on Mondays. We suggest confirming opening times on the official website, in case it has changed.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL 32782
Phone: (321) 861-0669
Description coming soon
Central Brevard Hotspots
Cruickshank Sanctuary
The Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary is one of Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program Properties. This 140 acre property is a great example of Florida Scrub with pine flatwoods, oaks and freshwater depression marshes. There are multiple trails and fire breaks to observe wildlife and enjoy hikes. It has a small parking area with no restroom facilities. Pets and feeding of wildlife are prohibited.
There are many families of Florida Scrub Jays that can provide close up viewing. Other common species here are Pileated, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers; Northern Flickers; Osprey; and Northern Cardinals. Occasionally Northern Bobwhite, Red-tailed Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Eagles, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcons. Early in the morning and late in the evening many other species do flyovers at Cruickshank Sanctuary.
The Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk.
Address: 326 Barnes Blvd, Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: (321) 255-4466
Jetty Park
Jetty Park, located in Port Canaveral, has a campground and a long fishing pier extending into the Atlantic ocean. Additionally, there are a few paved trails around the park that can also be good for birding.
From the pier, you can see many Brown Pelicans, Terns (Royal, Forster’s, Least, Sandwich, Caspian and sometimes Common and Black Terns), Ospreys, Gulls (Laughing, Great and Lesser Black-backed, Ring-billed, and Herring) and perhaps even a Magnificent Frigatebird. If you’re lucky, you may spot some pelagic species including shearwaters and storm-petrels. Around the campground and paths, especially during migration and winter, you’ll find many species of warblers and other passerines.
Recent years have sent birders to the pier to view a Purple Sandpiper, and to the campground to see a Bahama Mockingbird that took up residence.
There is a fee for entrance/parking, and parking passes must be purchased online prior to your visit. To purchase your pass, click here.
Address: 400 E Jetty Rd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: (321) 783-7111.
Website | Purchase Pass | Map | eBird
Lori Wilson Park
Address: 1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Phone: (321) 455-1380
This 32.43-acre oceanfront park affords birding both on the shore and in a maritime hammock. There are pavilions, public restrooms, and ample parking.
Couched within the park is the Mansfield Maritime Hammock, a board-walk trail accessible from the north parking lot. The hammock’s native trees and plants are a magnet for songbirds. During the spring months dozens of migrants can be seen in the shadows and leafy canopy. Often seen species include Painted Bunting, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, and Fish Crow. Numerous warbler species include Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned, Black-and-White, Northern Parula, Palm Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Redstart.
Dune crossovers to the beach can be reached from both the north and south parking lots. Commonly seen species are Brown Pelican, Black Skimmer, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Forster’s Tern, Sandwich Tern, and Royal Tern. Sanderlings, Willets, Ruddy Turnstones and Red Knots often can be seen seeking food at the water’s edge.
Rotary Park (Merritt Island)
Address: 1899 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 455-1385
As you begin the wooded drive into this 38-acre community park, roll down your windows to hear the sounds of birds in the canopy. There is a large pavilion with tables and restrooms and a nature center, sometimes reserved for educational programs, which contains creatively produced exhibits.
The park provides a lot of easily accessible birding territory, including the trees right in the parking lot, the nearby grassy playing fields, a concrete path, and an elevated board walk. Gopher Tortoises are frequently seen near the native plant garden and in sandy areas throughout the park.
Spring and Fall migrations bring in many species of warblers, including Common Yellowthroat and American Redstart, as well as Northern Parula, Palm, Pine, Yellow-rumped, Yellow-throated, and Black-and-white warblers. Commonly seen all year are Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Fish Crow, Common and Boat-tailed Grackles, and several woodpeckers, including Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated. Other frequently seen species include Western Cattle Egret, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, Osprey, and Red-shouldered Hawk.
Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 805 Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 255-4466
Ulumay Sanctuary is administered by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program. This 600-acre conservation area in central Merritt Island is tucked away only a few miles from a busy commercial area of restaurants and retail stores. Parking is alongside the road within the sanctuary. There are no restrooms. Near the entrance is a kayak launch, and a bit further down a fishing pier which affords views of pelicans diving, dolphins, and occasional manatees. There are two trails and an observation deck. Winter and spring are the best birding months and the most comfortable time to visit. The mangrove/salt marsh habitat make this a mosquito sanctuary, too, so bring insect repellent.
Winter months yield many warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers, and other songbirds. Wading birds and waterfowl that may be seen include Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Lesser Scaup, Blue-winged Teal, and Ring-necked Duck. Birds that can be seen year-round include Osprey, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, Brown Pelican, Fish Crow, Common Gallinule, White Ibis, and multiple egret and heron species.
Viera Wetlands
The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, more commonly known as the Viera Wetlands, is a 200-acre property in central Brevard County, located at the western-most end of Wickham Road. It is adjacent to and managed by the Brevard County Utility Services. The property is currently undergoing restoration (as of June 2024) and only about half of the property is accessible at this time. However, it’s still a popular place for locals and tourists, both for recreation and birding. Access is only open to pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles such as bikes. Unfortunately it is not very accessible for those with limited mobility.
Commonly-seen species at the Viera Wetlands include egrets and herons, Common and Purple Gallinules, Roseate Spoonbills, several species of ducks, Anhingas and Double-Crested Cormorants, Red-winged Blackbirds and Boat-tailed Grackles, and Black and Turkey Vultures. Shorebirds are often present, including Black-necked Stilts, Killdeer, Semipalmated and Piping Plovers, and Greater Yellowlegs. Keep your eyes to the sky to watch for flyovers by Crested Caracara, Bald Eagles, and in the winter, Northern Harriers. Along the outside of the path, you may find Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, White-eyed Vireos, Great-Horned Owls, and more.
Address: 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way, Viera, FL 32940
Phone: (321) 255-4488
South Brevard Hotspots
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park encompasses both sides of the bridge that spans the inlet. The north side of the bridge is in Brevard County, while the south side is in Indian River County. Both sides have great areas for birding, and each side has a jetty that extends a ways into the Atlantic Ocean. From several vantage points, you can watch Osprey as they dive for fish. Also watch for flyovers by Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Other common birds seen along the water include Brown Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Reddish Egrets, and other herons. Terns (Forster’s, Caspian, Royal, and Sandwich) are regulars, as well as Laughing and Herring Gulls. In the camping and picnic areas, you’ll find Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Fish Crows, and Northern Cardinals. In the winter you’ll also likely see Belted Kingfishers, Palm Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Eastern Phoebes.
Address: 9700 Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951,
Phone: (321) 984-4852.
Website | Map | eBird North Side | eBird South Side
Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Address: 1502 Port Malabar Blvd, Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 952-3433
Description coming soon
T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area
Address: 3200 T. M. Goodwin Rd., Fellsmere, 32948
Phone: (321) 726-2862
Description coming soon
Website | Map | eBird Broadmoor Unit | eBird Original Unit
Orange County
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area
Address: 3365 Taylor Creek Rd, Christmas, FL 32709
Phone: (407) 568-5893
Located on the St. Johns River, Tosohatchee features a mix of wetlands and uplands and is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Don’t miss the unpaved Power Line Road, which runs east and west, ending at the St. Johns River. This elevated road passes through sand cordgrass marshes, providing exceptional views. Vultures perch on the powerline stanchions, while herons, egrets, ibises, limpkins, and wood storks are commonly seen in the ditches and wetlands. Raptors such as bald eagles, ospreys, red-shouldered hawks, owls, and kestrels nest and hunt in the area. Rails, ducks, and purple gallinules are often found in the marshes surrounding the St. Johns River.
In the flatwoods at the northern and southern ends of the property, watch for brown-headed nuthatches, northern bobwhites, and warblers. Rustic trails offer great opportunities to spot migratory songbirds. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys can be seen at woodland edges or clearings. Swallow-tailed kites are often seen soaring over open areas in spring and summer. In autumn and spring, blooming wetlands and roadside ditches attract numerous butterfly species.
Please check for road closures on these all-dirt roads, as scheduled hunts are taking place that wildlife observers need to be aware of.
Orlando Wetlands
Address: 25155 Wheeler Rd, Christmas, FL 32709
Phone: (407) 568-1706
The Orlando Wetlands is a man-made wetland created to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and nearby cities. Spanning 1,650 acres, it is located in Christmas, Florida. Visitors can enjoy a range of primitive and passive activities, such as hiking, biking, and wildlife observation.
A variety of wetland birds can be easily observed from the long boardwalk.
Tram rides are available; check the website for days and times. A new visitor center and an upcoming festival are also planned. Please note that the wetlands are closed on Mondays, as of this writing. We recommend checking opening hours on their official website, linked below.
Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a collection of over 500 wildlife viewing sites in Florida. Head over to https://floridabirdingtrail.com/ to learn more about the different sites on the trail. This is a great resource provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Trail is organized in four sections – East, Panhandle, South and West. Brevard county trail sites are in the East Section. Brevard county has the most sites of any Florida county which allows for many nearby wildlife viewing opportunities. The website includes a Trip Planner section that allows you to see where sites are located on a map and then you can learn more about each site for access, amenities, and common species. The website also includes information about the Wings Over Florida program where you can receive beautiful certificates based on the number of bird or butterfly species you have seen. Another section on the website provides access to the Kite Tales, the monthly newsletter provided by FWC that includes highlights of different trail sites and information on wildlife viewing opportunities.