The Indian River Lagoon Scenic Byway has refuges for endangered birds all along its length. A dozen federally listed threatened and endangered species live here, including the Roseate Tern, Piping Plover, Wood Stork, and the Bald Eagle. Find these endangered birds at Pelican Island, Merritt Island, and St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge.
Visit Pelican Island, known for being the first National Wildlife Refuge, and watch the pelicans wing across the waters. Pelican Island acquired its fame at the turn of the century from the wildlife photographers and naturalists who visited the area. Many of these people were disturbed by the slaughter of countless pelicans, herons, egrets, and other birds by plume hunters. To protect these birds, a local resident, Paul Kroegel, became their staunch protector and took the issue to the president. At the urging of Mr. Kroegel, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an Executive Order on March 14, 1903 that permanently set aside the three-acre island as a wildlife sanctuary, making Pelican Island the first National Wildlife Refuge.
Check out the distinct habitats on Merritt Island and see over 330 species of birds, including migratory birds, wading birds and shorebirds. Watch for the wading bird rookeries and the 2,500 Florida Scrub Jays. Take some binoculars and hunt up the 10 active Bald Eagle nests and the numerous osprey nests.
For the best birding view, take a drive along the Black Point Wildlife Drive. This seven-mile, one-way, self-guided drive travels through fresh and saltwater marshes. The drive offers several numbered stops, which are described in a brochure available at the entrance to the drive or at the visitor information center. Along the way, spot wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more.
St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public but you might be able to spot some of its inhabitance in the area. The refuge is home to the endangered Wood Stork and the threatened Bald Eagle and Crested Caracara. The waterfowl in the area are the Blue-winged Teal and Ring-necked Duck.
See endangered and threatened birds along the Indian River Lagoon. The area is a great place to try to spot our nation's bird, the Bald Eagle. Take a drive and keep and eye out for the hundreds of different species that call the area home. Watch for migratory, wading, and shorebirds.
