A lot of people come to the Dry Tortugas after hearing several experiences and watching advertising commercials in the Keys. Unfortunately, most of the advertising commercials and shared experiences mark the Dry Tortugas as the leading destination for only two activities: deep-sea diving and snorkeling. As a result, the one activity that deserves the most recognition gets ignored.

Indisputably, bird watching in the Dry Tortugas is just as fun as swimming with marine life. Many bird enthusiasts who are well familiar with the Dry Tortugas hold the bird-watching environment in high regards. Ever since Ponce de Leon made the discovery in 1513, and John James Audubon visited in 1832, colonies of seabirds and migrating land birds have maintained a strong presence in the Dry Tortugas. In addition, Brown Noddy Terns and Black Noodies have claimed the Bush Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park as their nesting grounds.

The seven small islands of the Dry Tortugas play a larger role than just a nesting ground. During the season of migration, they serve as a layoff for the flocks of birds traveling from the United States, Canada and South America. For this reason, the colorful variety of species of birds continues to grow. The Dry Tortugas is now the home of countless birds. The four most popular birds seen throughout the Dry Tortugas are the peregrine falcon, ruby-throated hummingbird, white-eyed vireo and the yellow-billed cuckoo.

Fortunately, there is no deadline or specific time of the year for bird watching in the Dry Tortugas. However, the largest flock of rare birds is likely to be spotted during the springtime. It doesn’t matter whether a novice or expert at bird watching, seeing the seven-foot wingspan of the frigate bird is going to be overwhelming. The family of frigate birds soars over the fort’s harbor lights on a regular basis, but they mainly can be seen during the months of February and September. Also, during the months of February and September and near Bush Key, well over a thousand of sooty terns join the frigate birds’ soaring episodes.

For many reasons, spring is the best time to enjoy an intriguing outing of bird watching in the Dry Tortugas. Apart from superb weather, the number of bird sightings is a lot higher in spring than any other season of the year. Opportunities such as spotting 70 different species of birds in one day are the most common. The long list of birds include the Masked and Brown Boobies, Roseate and Bridled Terns, Red-Necked Phalarope, Double-Crested Cormorants, Red-Footed Booby, Brown Pelicans, Short-Eared Owl, Frigate Birds, Shiny Cowbird, White-Tailed Tropicbird and the Golden Warbler. Assuredly, becoming acquainted with the birds listed is everything that bird watching in the Dry Tortugas is all about.

Bird watching in the seven islands of Dry Tortugas is an excellent way to see a lot of birds from different perspectives. From their eating habits to nesting grounds, both common and rare birds can be seen engaging in life’s duties. Unequivocally, there is one undeniable fact: An endless number of birds flock to the beautiful tiny islands of Dry Tortugas all year round.