Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

[BillsBirds]

Recently, for my birthday, I spent the day at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, Florida. They are a sanctuary for wild birds of all kinds. They have the largest Wild Avian Hospital in the U.S. (They do not treat pet birds.) They have a permanent population of injured & disabled birds, like Pelicans, that breed, and the young are released into the wild. And they are a stopping point on the migration routes of many birds which stop for a rest and free meals. They are also home to other wild birds like owls, hawks, vultures, and a small flock of blue jays. All of whom cannot be released because of physical disabilities. It was a great day. I saw many different birds which always makes my day.

 

[henpecked]

Guess i'm gonna have to look them up and go up there.

 

[Adinafloyd]

Sounds like a great place and sounds like a good day. I will have to visit there too.

 

[Molcan2]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a good place to go visit.

 

[luvmytooo]

Sounds like a very interesting day I would love to visit there one day !
Thanks for sharing your day

 

[BillsBirds]

Yes, it really is a wonderful place. Smaller than you may imagine. Nestled between beachfront condos and tourist rental apartments, spilling out on Indian Rocks Beach. No admission fee, relying on donations (money, help, supplies). They do great work, especially with oil spill birds, fishing accidents, and beach nesters. I go whenever I get time. We volunteered during BP oil disaster. If you can get there, it's worth the trip. If not, it's worthy of your help, any way you can.

 

[Ladybrady22]

Our group volunteered there for a day in 2011 and we had the same wonderful experience. A few of us were in the white pelican enclosure and had some amazing up close experiences with these feisty (and HUGE) birds! They have a couple injured ravens that talk - I never heard one in person before. Really wonderful staff and they were so thankful for the help. Because the coast in that area is so built up, it is literally the only stopping point for wild seabirds for hundreds of miles. I highly recommend supporting them with donations!