Judd Patterson, NPS
Although the bird list for Dry Tortugas National Park currently contains 299 species, the area provides long-term habitat for few birds. Fewer than 40 species are typically present in winter, and only 7 species nest in the area regularly. Most species are transients or strays, present only briefly during spring and fall migrations.
Northbound migrants arrive as early as mid-February. Spring migration increases substantially during March and peaks during April through mid-May, with more than 200 species passing through the area. The largest concentrations are typically observed during the worst weather conditions, when high winds, rain, and cold temperatures ground the greatest number and diversity of migrants.
Judd Patterson, NPS
Summer is known for Brown Noddies, a few Black Noddies, Magnificent Frigatebirds, and the masses of Sooty Terns that nest along the beaches of Bush Key from late January through early July. Although Bush Key is closed to visitors, bird watchers with binoculars or spotting scopes can watch the nesting activity from Fort Jefferson on nearby Garden Key.
Fall migration is more prolonged than spring migration and is not as obviously influenced by weather. Large flights of raptors are common during September and October. Southbound migration trickles off and ceases by about late November.
A scant assortment of waterbirds, most notably gulls and terns, winter in the area. Landbirds are limited to a few American Kestrels and Belted Kingfishers, an occasional Gray Catbird, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, and Savannah Sparrows.
The Dry Tortugas National Park Bird Checklist can be printed out to help you keep track of the birds that you see. Loggerhead Key is open year-round during daylight hours. When making plans to visit the park, keep in mind that Bush Key is closed to visitors to protect nesting Sooty and Noddy Terns and to help the vegetation recover from the 2005 hurricane season. Hospital, Middle, and Long Keys are closed all year.
Did You Know?
The Carnegie Institute's Laboratory for Marine Biology was established among the Dry Tortugas in 1905. Based on Loggerhead Key, this research facility laid the foundation for 20th century tropical marine science, with an emphasis on coral reef systems.