1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Family Vacations

St. Pete / Clearwater Beach, Florida:

photos and tips -- See also Introduction to St. Pete / Clearwater Beach

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

Founder/director Ralph Heath had no idea that --when he took one wounded cormorant to a veterinarian friend one morning-- he was starting a life's work of bird rescue...

The backyard where he kept first one, then two, then three injured birds is now a full-fledged sanctuary supported entirely by donations.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary -seabirds in pen

Each day, 20 to 30 injured birds arrive at the Seabird Sanctuary, located in the town of Indian Shores. Many birds are brought in by caring individuals. Others arrive via the daily feeding-time on beach, below: almost every day, Sanctuary staff spot a bird with a fishing line caught in its mouth. Almost all seabird injuries are caused by humans.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary - seabirds feeding

Feeding all these birds is a major undertaking, as some have finicky appetites.

How'd you like to hand-chop pounds of pounds of fish to feed the birds? Some will only eat fish without the skin! Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary-- feed birds

photos © 2002 by Teresa Plowright

Explore Family Vacations
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Hot Winter Travel Deals

Check out these tips on finding the best airfare, hotel rates and cruise deals. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Family Vacations

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.