Pelican Island Refuge
Established in 1903 and located in the Indian River Lagoon, Pelican Island is the country’s first national wildlife refuge and the most biologically diverse estuary in the United States. A historic and significant bird rookery island, Pelican Island provides a nesting habitat for over 16 different species of colonial water birds and over 30 species of water birds use the island during the winter migratory season. Over 130 species of birds are found throughout the entire refuge offering some of the best birdwatching in Florida.