The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary cares for injured wild birds and, when possible, returns them to the wild. All species of wild birds, like this beautiful white ibis (above), benefit from the hard work of the volunteers and paid staff of the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary produces a very informative newsletter to keep the public informed about their activities. It is called “Fly Free.” I thought I’d take a look at their Summer 2008 issue, and share the highlights with you:
- A large colony of Black Skimmers nested on the sands in front of the Sanctuary this summer. The Sanctuary launched a public awareness campaign, and with cooperation of local media, Eckerd College, the Audubon Society, and the local community, human interference and encroachment was reduced, resulting in the hatching of 50 chicks.
- The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary has produced a documentary featuring the history of the Sanctuary and shows how wild birds get injured and how the public can help. The film, called “Flying Free,” has received numerous awards of excellence. To order copies of the documentary, call 727-391-6211, or order online at www.seabirdsanctuary.com.
- The Sanctuary is seeking volunteers for the busy winter roundup and bird rescue efforts on the Ft. Desoto and Skyway Bridge fishing piers. According to Elizabeth Vreeland, Sanctuary Staff and Volunteer, “Last winter I rescued almost 200 birds from the north and south Skyway and Ft. Desoto Fishing Piers in just a couple of months. That’s just me. That’s just two piers.” If you are interested in being a volunteer, even if it is just for an hour a month, contact the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.
- Upcoming is the Seabird Christmas Celebration. Saturday, December 6, 2008, 10am. Free tour of the Sanctuary, cookies, punch, children’s gifts and special events. Fun for all ages.
- An injured Bald Eagle was rescued in northern Pinellas County, then rehabilitated, and released back into the wild. It appeared to have been involved in a territorial fight with another eagle.
Above are just a few of the interesting things I found in the Sanctuary’s newsletter. Become a member of the Sanctuary and receive the newsletter, or stop by the Sanctuary and pick up a copy.
Above: White Pelicans recuperate at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. White Pelicans are much larger than Brown Pelicans (pictured below) and have different feeding habits. Their needs are very different. The staff and volunteers at the Sanctuary are experts at caring for all kinds of wild birds.
Above: A view of a small portion of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The Sanctuary cares for all types of wild birds, from small songbirds, to herons and hawks.
Visit their website at www.seabirdsanctuary.com, or stop by and see the birds!
They are located at 18328 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores, FL 33785.
