MM 93.6 (bayside) Tavernier A very unique place in the upper Keys, not only for it's wildlife, but for the habitat itself, which covers a wood hammock(forest) with many air plants including orchids, through the transitional wetland, mangrove wetland, mangrove swamp, salt pond, berm, and beach/bay all in the space of hundred yards or so. Click any image to enlarge, close the picture window to return here. There are several wildlife rescue centers in the Keys, but this is one open to the public to tour, and solely survives on membership and donations of visitors.The center is dedicated to the help of injured birds, and education to avoid future injuries, through human carelessness, such as cut and abandoned fishing lines, and other needless pollution of habitat. The dominant species are pelicans, egrets, gulls, and herons. Many first time visitors find it a bit unnerving to suddenly find them self in the middle of a flock of waddeling pelicans, but here we are their guests. There are many other types of birds here that have come from as far away as Key West and Dade county, needing help. A few like owls native to the mainland, are not to the Keys; but most are. Feeding time (late afternoon) is pandemonium in flight, yet all get their fill in the end. It is a time to watch where they are flying though as it is the fish they are after, and you would be surprised how much power there is in being inadvertently brushed by a pelican wing. All and all a safe place though. You are smart though to watch for birds sitting backwards on a ledge, and probably a good idea to leave the silk shirts at home. (Also probably a good idea to change & shower first if you've been cleaning fish.) Whether a bird lover or just curious, it is a unique and wonderful place to get much closer to many of these very birds, who would be much more skittish and wary outside the sanctuary. HELP KEEP THEM FLYING The center gets no governmental funding support and relies on it's members and visitors. If you would like further information or to help support the center, click here or write/call: Florida Keys Wild Bird Center 93600 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-4486 All contents copyright 1999 Hayward McKee
MM 93.6 (bayside) Tavernier
A very unique place in the upper Keys, not only for it's wildlife, but for the habitat itself, which covers a wood hammock(forest) with many air plants including orchids, through the transitional wetland, mangrove wetland, mangrove swamp, salt pond, berm, and beach/bay all in the space of hundred yards or so.
Click any image to enlarge, close the picture window to return here.
There are several wildlife rescue centers in the Keys, but this is one open to the public to tour, and solely survives on membership and donations of visitors.The center is dedicated to the help of injured birds, and education to avoid future injuries, through human carelessness, such as cut and abandoned fishing lines, and other needless pollution of habitat.
The dominant species are pelicans, egrets, gulls, and herons. Many first time visitors find it a bit unnerving to suddenly find them self in the middle of a flock of waddeling pelicans, but here we are their guests.
There are many other types of birds here that have come from as far away as Key West and Dade county, needing help. A few like owls native to the mainland, are not to the Keys; but most are.
Feeding time (late afternoon) is pandemonium in flight, yet all get their fill in the end. It is a time to watch where they are flying though as it is the fish they are after, and you would be surprised how much power there is in being inadvertently brushed by a pelican wing.
All and all a safe place though. You are smart though to watch for birds sitting backwards on a ledge, and probably a good idea to leave the silk shirts at home. (Also probably a good idea to change & shower first if you've been cleaning fish.)
Whether a bird lover or just curious, it is a unique and wonderful place to get much closer to many of these very birds, who would be much more skittish and wary outside the sanctuary.
HELP KEEP THEM FLYING
The center gets no governmental funding support and relies on it's members and visitors. If you would like further information or to help support the center, click here or write/call:
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center 93600 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-4486
All contents copyright 1999 Hayward McKee