Brevard

Part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge complex, this diverse site stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River Lagoon. It features a new, state-of-the-art Management and Education Center with interpretive exhibits and nature programs, a 1-mile hiking trail west of SR A1A through maritime hammock and mangrove swamp, plus spectacular views of the beach and lagoon. Visitor Center hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.

This created wetland not only treats reclaimed water for the City of Titusville, but is also home to an amazing diversity of wetland birds. One of the first facilities of its kind in the U.S., it uses aquatic plants to absorb nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates in the highly-treated effluent water. This process helps prevent river-choking algal blooms in the stream into which the water is eventually discharged. Open Monday through Friday only.

Here is a great option for those midday hours, when birding typically is least productive. The Brevard Zoo is an educational site that is perfect for all ages.Conservation of native Florida species is highlighted. guided kayak tours are available.

This Brevard County recreation complex resulted from a unique partnership between the Brevard County Natural Resources Watershed Management, Brevard Community College, the City of Titusville, the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Parrish Medical Center. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, the park was engineered to prevent polluted storm runoff from entering the Indian River Lagoon. Habitats include artificial lakes and wetlands (salt marsh and mangroves), plus hardwood and sabal palm hammocks.

Another part of Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge complex, this parcel features a 0.75-mile hiking trail through coastal strand, oak scrub, maritime hammock and mangrove swamp.

The “flagship” Enchanted Forest Sanctuary was the first property purchased by Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program. Four miles of well-marked hiking trails guide you through pine flatwoods, hardwood/palm hammocks, wet prairie and scrub habitats. The best birding action occurs on the Tomoka Trail (boardwalk) and Biodiversity Loop, especially during spring and fall.

A quick stop at this county park may give your day list a big boost. Each spring and fall, migratory songbirds rest and refuel in the hardwood/sabal palm hammocks, flatwoods and freshwater swamp. Mornings are an ideal time to wander the 0.4-mile elevated boardwalk.

A popular county park in North Brevard, Fox Lake Park offers a variety of water and wading birds. Large community events are sometimes held at the rental pavilions.

The dirt road leading to Hatbill Park passes through the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, so watch the roadside for everything from songbird migrants to Wild Turkeys. Hatbill Park itself is on the St. Johns River, providing an excellent view of hundreds of wading birds coming in to roost at sunset.

Honest John’s Fish Camp offers unique access to the Mullet Creek Islands in the Indian River Lagoon. Wading birds use the mangrove-lined islands as roosts and rookeries, which can be viewed by small motorboat, kayak or canoe (available for rent on-site). As nesting and resting birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, this is an opportunity to view them while learning about responsible birding, which benefits birds and birders alike.

This Brevard County park on the broad St. Johns River floodplain provides a vantage of the river.Bird the park’s waterfront, but also check the gravel boat launch area (Leroy Wright Recreation Area) across the road (on the north side of SR 520) for a different, quieter view. This site gets heavy boat traffic on weekends (including airboats), so it is best visited during the week. Mosquitoes can be prevalent here at times.

This park’s jetty is the last land ships pass as they leave Port Canaveral, headed out to sea. At the north end of the park, check the ship turning basin from the jetty pier. The turning basin is known for uncommon ducks in the fall and winter.

Located on the west side of the Banana River, just south of SR 528, this Brevard County park provides a good view of the water where rafts of ducks like Green-winged Teal and Mottled Ducks, Common and Red-throated Loons and Horned Grebes congregate in fall and winter.

This park on the Indian River Lagoon is worth a visit to scan for these winter waterbirds, plus Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. A paved walkway with benches along the shoreline makes wildlife viewing easy.

Lake Washington is the largest lake in Brevard County, and it is one of the first in a series of lakes that give rise to the St. Johns River. This park has a boat ramp and an airboat launch, and can have heavy traffic on weekends. During off-peak times, consider boating down to the southern end of the lake, which may provide a better chance of finding Snail Kites.

Part of Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program, the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary protects excellent examples of scrub habitat, complete with breeding populations of Florida Scrub- Jays. The sanctuary also contains xeric (dry) hammock, flatwoods, sandhills, swamp, ponds and depression marshes. The paved road that bisects the site is accessible to the physically challenged, although the 8.3 miles of sandy scrub trails (hike and bike) provide better opportunities for viewing scrub-jays and other birds.

Surrounded by coastal development, Lori Wilson Park’s maritime hammock is a small, but brightly shining beacon for migratory songbirds.

This aptly-named sanctuary protects the largest, intact maritime hammock in Brevard County. The site has a 3.5-mile foot path (no bikes) with two trailheads (350 yards apart) on SR A1A, both with bicycle racks. Start at either end and hike westward towards the Indian River Lagoon.Call ahead to arrange a guided hike for your group.

The high-quality flatwoods and scrub at this sanctuary are home to Florida Scrub-Jays, Great Horned Owls, Hairy Woodpeckers and Gopher Tortoises. The 3-mile, red loop trail has the best birding (but little shade), while the 1.5-mile, white trail loop offers some shade and mostly pine-dependent species such as Brown-headed Nuthatches, Eastern Towhees and Bachman’s Sparrows.

Adjacent to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, this urban park straddles the Max Brewer Memorial Parkway and offers an excellent view of the Indian River Lagoon. Parrish Park is at its best in fall and winter, providing spectacular views of a variety of ducks, shorebirds, loons and Horned Grebes.

Another part of Brevard County’s innovative Environmentally Endangered Lands program, this site has viewing blinds on several of the interior ponds good for scoping migratory ducks.Grab a map at the entrance kiosk, and consider bringing a canoe or kayak if you’re so inclined.

A wonderful companion to the adjacent Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Playalinda Beach section of the National Seashore fills out your day list with beach species such as plovers, turnstones, terns and gulls.

Formerly known as Port’s End Park, this site on the Port Canaveral’s west side is worth a visit if you’re already in the neighborhood. The park has an observation tower, great for viewing birds and big ships alike. For an added bonus, go under the bridge and continue on Mullet Dr. to the Canaveral Locks area.

If you find yourself in the Melbourne area during the fall and winter months, Rotary Park at Suntree is worth a quick stop. This community park is situated on the Indian River Lagoon, and at low tide, birders have opportunities to see waders and shorebirds feeding along the shoreline.

One of three Rotary Parks on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, this Brevard County location is an ideal spot to see migratory songbirds in season. The park has an elevated boardwalk through a hardwood hammock. The on-site Rotary Park Nature Center resembles a Florida Cracker-style schoolhouse and is open by appointment for groups. The center has many educational displays, hands-on activities, exhibits, programs and children’s classes. Tailor-made programs for youth and adult groups can be scheduled.

Miles of roads to hike will keep you exploring the rugged Salt Lake WMA all day. Pine flatwoods, scrub, freshwater marshes, lakes and salt flats shelter over 200 bird species. On the east side near South Lake, several Florida Scrub-Jay families are present, thanks to ongoing habitat restoration efforts.

Located in the northernmost part of Brevard County, Scottsmoor Landing is worth a look if you’re in the area. At this access to the northern Indian River Lagoon, bring your spotting scope in winter for migratory ducks.

This waterfowl management area, which includes the Broadmoor Marsh Unit, is a wetland restoration project in the upper St. Johns River Basin. One of the premier duck hunting locales in Florida, it also makes for some pretty interesting birding and wildlife viewing, too! Vehicle access is permitted on Mondays and Thursdays on selected levee roads when conditions are suitable. A three-tier observation tower is located on the southern end of the property, approx. 2 miles north of the office.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary’s hardwood hammock has a well-deserved reputation as a hotspot for warblers and other Neotropical migratory songbirds. The site’s warbler list alone boasts 35 species.The on-site Margaret Hames Nature Center offers regular birding tours in season; call ahead for details and reservations.

Located within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge complex, Coconut Point Park warrants a quick stop if you are passing through the Melbourne area. The primary habitats here are beach/dune and coastal strand. One of the two dune crossovers is wheelchair accessible.

Multi-use trails on the east and north sides of the park are extensive and branch continuously; GPS is especially helpful. Trails in the southeast quadrant have the most shade. Pick up a map at the office on the right.