The Florida Keys offer unique opportunities for bird watchers.
Over 200 species of birds are seen in the Keys and about 60 species breed here.
Seasonal migrations of raptors (Broadwing, Swainson's, and Sharp-shinned hawks)
and songbirds (Buntings, Orioles, Tanagers, Vireos and Warblers) are often
spectacular, especially following squalls or blustery weather. The pelagic
birding can be just as spectacular as sightings of Audubon's Shearwater &
Bridled Terns are common to see on our way to the Dry Tortugas.
A dozen species of herons and egrets stalk the mangrove flats of
the Keys. The rarest is the comical reddish egret which staggers in pursuit of
its fish-fry prey like a drunken sailor. Gulls and terns cavort overhead. On the
pilings cormorants hang their feathers out to dry and Belted Kingfishers fly
happily in their feeding grounds. If your trip includes the Dry Tortugas you
will most likely see Masked Boobies, Brown Boobies and even a chance to see a
red footed booby as there has been a recorded sighting each year for the past
few years.
The Dry Tortugas lie off the tip of the Florida Keys about 70
miles. In the late 1860's a massive fort was constructed to guard the sea lanes
into the Gulf of Mexico. Although Fort Jefferson was never completed, it still
stands guard over the gulf as a sanctuary for birds. Within its massive walls
lies an oasis that draws thousands of migrating birds, exhausted from their long
trip across the Gulf of Mexico. The sandy islands around Fort Jefferson are
pristine and provide excellent breeding grounds for many sea birds. The
designation as a National Park further protects the Dry Tortugas area and
maintains the beauty of its beaches and coral reefs. Magnificent Frigatebirds,
whose feathers weigh more than their skeletons, float effortlessly over
Ft. Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas National Park. The only nesting colony in
North America for Magnificent Frigatebirds is in the Dry Tortugas where you may
see courtship, nesting and displays. Another rare but regular bird during the
spring migration is the "BLACK NODDY" where up to 7 individuals have been
spotted. Several species of West Indian birds breed in the Florida Keys
such as the Mangrove Cuckoo, Antillian nighthawk, Black-whiskered vireo, Yellow
warbler, Grey Kingbird, White-crowned pigeon, and can be easily viewed if you
know where to look. On our way back to Key West we will check the towers and
navigation buoys as the Roseate tern is commonly found on these locations. We
hope you consider birding in the Florida Keys and call on us for the perfect
birding charter. Happy birding!
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