Birding
Discover an avian haven on Florida's Space Coast, where birdwatching dreams take flight.
A Special Place for Fowl Play.
The Indian River Lagoon is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 300 species of resident and migratory birds.
Located on the Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration corridor, the lagoon on Florida's Space Coast offers over 100 public birdwatching locations, including over 30 sites that help make up the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail . Choose your vantage point, from tranquil nature trails to soaring observation towers, waterfront vistas, and pristine natural areas accessible by boat or kayak. With so many opportunities to see birds and wildlife in their natural habitat, birding at the lagoon can be a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Every season on Florida's Space Coast brings a unique birdwatching experience. In summer, nesting colonies of herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills can be spotted in the shallows, mud flats, and spoil islands.
In fall, raptors including ospreys and red-shouldered hawks soar overhead scanning for prey.
Winter brings migratory species such as peregrine falcons and waterfowl including white pelicans south from colder weather.
In spring warblers and buntings bring a burst of color. Be sure to watch for North America’s most colorful bird, the Painted Bunting, a winter resident on Florida's Space Coast.
Some of the largest populations of Florida’s only endemic bird species, the Florida Scrub-Jay, are found on Florida's Space Coast. These round-headed, blue and gray birds live in patches of low-growing scrub oak in sandy soils. Several sanctuaries around the lagoon help preserve Florida Scrub-Jay habitat, including the Jordan Scrub Sanctuary, Malabar Scrub Sanctuary, and Micco Scrub Sanctuary.
Popular birding destinations around the lagoon include the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , considered to be one of the top birding sites along the Florida Atlantic coast. Additional sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail include the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary , Pine Island Conservation Area , St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park , T. M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area , Viera Wetlands , and more.
Birding Etiquette
at the Indian River Lagoon
To help protect birds and their habitat, please observe all posted signs, do not disturb or let dogs run loose near breeding colonies, and properly dispose of fish carcasses and fishing line.
Birding Map
(If the map points are not easily navigable, try rotating your mobile device) * Denotes a site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Will you help protect the Indian River Lagoon?
There are simple actions we can each take so that everyone can continue to enjoy the lagoon. Pledge now to protect the lagoon and earn rewards!
More Information
For additional lagoon recreation information, destination ideas, and trip itineraries for Florida's Space Coast:
Information for Space Coast Residents
Funded by the Brevard County Tourism Development Council Tourism + Lagoon Grant Program.
