suncoast seabird sanctuary

Girljade

We have been meaning to visit this place for years but being a rather emotional human being I wanted to see no birds in distress. I need not have worried. There are lots of birds recuperating there and they are so well looked after. The volunteers are wonderful, very friendly people who care so deeply about all wildlife. When you visit you are offered a quiz to do. The children love that and get very exited.I enjoyed visiting the gift shop and bought some amazing cards. It's worth going just buy those. Such an interesting artist has designed them...."The Wild Jungle Chick".....all suitable for any occasion.It is also rather pleasant to be able to combine a visit together with a walk on the beach. The edge of the Sanctuary is actually on the beach with no barriers.

JohnthePilgrim

Great place for adults and children to learn more about Florida seabirds. The Sanctuary has an extensive display of birds that can no longer survive in the wild. They appear to be well cared for. There is also a hospital and a gift shop. A video room has continuous programs showing the various procedures for treating injured birds. Admittance is free, but donations are welcome, as the Sanctuary subsists only on private donations.

NewYorkCityThor

My husband and I visited the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary three weeks ago. We found our visit extremely interesting and enjoyed seeing the birds and being surrounded by pelicans. As I was very enthusiastic about this rescue center, I tried to get more information on this center by going on google. To my dismay, I learned that the founder of the Sanctuary, Ralph Heath, had been arrested on charges of fraud in 2013 (and then released), that some workers had resigned, and the bird hospital had closed. The well-known Charity Navigator has posted a Donor Advisory on its website (see News Channel 8, Tampa).I tried to get updated information on the Sanctuary in the hope of finding out that this rescue center is now under new management and that birds are now properly cared for, but have not found anything. I would very much appreciate hearing the latest news about this sanctuary.

psali

The small sanctuary is located right on the beach by Reddington and has a good number of species. Its free and run by volunteers thus donation would be with while while there. I took my grad kids there and the really enjoyed being with the birds especially the pelicans that run around freely. Feeding time was fun to watch and the we all went for a ice beach walk right out the sanctuary .Its a must see "free" attraction while on the Gulf Coast of Pinnellas county.

Whidbeygirl_12

The area is very small along the beach with minimal parking, but there are a variety of birds both in cages and not. Easy to get lots of close up shots of the birds and staff is very helpful in answering questions. If you are in the area, it is worth stopping. Any non birders can just go to the beach and enjoy the sand, shells, and water.

jayb837

If you are a Bird Lover You will thoroughly enjoy this place. A non profit organization run mostly by volunteers doing their best to serve the Bird Community. Also located directly on the ocean and you can enjoy a walk on the sand following your walk amongst the Birds. A Hidden Gem! Help Donate for a Great Cause

M4385QXjeffc

just a pleasant walk through the birds cages donation only and the staff was helpful right on the water nice deck out back on the beach

pamiej

Lots of different species to see. Birds walking and flying around freely. Staff very friendly and helpful. Its FREE! Donations accepted.

karenhU5087FN

We just happened upon this place as we were walking the beach. Lot's of very interesting friendly birds. Needs to be cleaned up a little. I know it's difficult with all the birds though. Please donate here since it's free to walk through!

pgbWisconsin

We came across the sanctuary while walking the beach. Free admission, just make a donation. So many native birds that are being cared for in this sanctuary. Just a fun stop while out walking. Also accessible from Gulf Blvd.

MegJ985

Great work being done here and really cool to see the birds, although yes- slightly smelly. Not anything flashy but you can tell their funds are going to the right thing. Definitely deserves a visit and a donation. Could spend longer in the education aspect with adults only or children that are a bit older. With young ones, maybe about an hour or less visit.

TO_Beloit

Enjoyed our visit here. We came at feeding time and it was interesting to watch. Don't come here if you're afraid to get pooped on. It's entirely possible that one of the birds in the trees will find you!

johnmR2803EF

Got to see a lot of local birds. We watched them feeding and we walked among a lot of the birds. It was a very good place to visit.

normanm521

This is worth the visit. No fee, up close to the birds in their own environment. Sometimes right beside you, pelicans aren't shy. Go, see, make a donation. It was fun.

andybD5580IH

My first visit Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. It's fantastic to see the hospital is back up & running. Very nice staff on hand ready to answer any of your questions. The bird enclosures are clean and easy to see. Atmosphere makes you feel like you are in a jungle even the aroma makes you feel in aroma special place. Beware and look up once in a while birds hanging out may offer you some droppings. It's free admission & there are some lovely things to spend your money on in the gift shop. So if you want to see just about every local bird species this is the place. Donations are accepted