Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas, FL
Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. This site is a major stopover for migratory birds as well as a major nesting colony for Sooty Terns.
Specialty Species:
Sooty Tern: Large numbers of Sooty Terns nest on Bush Key.
Bridled Tern: Small numbers of Bridled Terns nest on Bush Key.
Roseate Tern: Very small numbers of Roseate Terns nest in the park.
Magnificent Frigatebird: Many Magnificent Frigatebirds can be seen soaring throughout the park.
Brown Noddy: Large numbers of Brown Noddies nest on Bush Key.
Masked Booby: The only nesting colony of Masked Boobies in North America is located on Hospital Key.
Brown Booby: Can sometimes be seen on buoys throughout the park.
Migrant Passerines: During the spring, many migrants can take refuge in the fort during periods of severe weather. Check the trees inside the fort as well as the water fountain.
Where to Bird:
- Grounds of the Fort
- Bush Key
- Florida Straits
- Hospital Key
- Bush Key
- Long Key
Grounds of the Fort: During the spring, the grounds are a magnet for migrant passerines that are crossing from the Caribbean to the United States. This area can be especially good during periods of severe weather.
Bush Key: Bush Key is home to a very large nesting colony of Sooty Terns. You can also find many Brown Noddies as well as a few Bridled Terns.
Florida Straits: The Florida Straits are located between Key West and the Dry Tortugas. While boating through this area, watch for Brown Booby, Northern Gannet, Pomarine Jaeger, Roseate Tern, and Audubon’s Shearwater. Also keep an eye out for other rare seabirds.
Hospital Key: Hospital Key has the only breeding population of Masked Boobies in the continental United States.
Bush Key: Bush Key is home to thousands of breeding Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies.
Long Key: Long Key also has a large population of breeding Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies.
Hours:
The interior of the Fort is open sunrise to sunset. Loggerhead, East, and Middle Keys are open during daylight hours. The waters around the keys are open at all times. Please stay at least 100 yards from Keys that are closed, as these areas are nesting colonies for birds.
Fees:
$5 for Visitors 17 and up. The pass is valid for 7 days.
National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports honored.
Accessiblity:
This island is not very handicap accessible.
Trails:
There are many areas to walk throughout Garden Key. People are not allowed on the other islands.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- Sunscreen
Lenght of Visit:
Day Trip or One or more nights of camping on Garden Key
Map:
Website:
Directions:
Dry Tortugas National Park can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. There are ferries and private charters available in Key West.
Address:
7840 W. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46254
317-327-7110
Nearby Birding:
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park