Trips to the Dry Tortugas – space available

The Dry Tortugas, a string of islands located 70 miles southwest of Key West Florida, draws a spectacular variety of migrating birds returning north to their breeding grounds in the Spring.  This serves as one of the most dynamic, enticing places to visit for birders of all skill levels eager to experience the magic of avian migration up-close.

Eastern passerines and raptors use the islands as a short, stop-over point on their way to the mainland, and caribbean strays are always a possibility.  The Dry Tortugas are also the only place in the United States that Brown Noody, Sooty Tern, Masked Booby and Magnificent Frigatebird breed.  The birding experience centers around the historic, 19th century Fort Jefferson, the largest brick structure in the western hemisphere, and a gurgling water fountain to which every bird on the island is attracted for a fresh-water drink.

I will be returning to the Dry Tortugas for my 18th year this spring, running a joint trip with Florida Nature Tours on April 24-27.  This includes a day of birding in Key West before we board the boat on the evening of the 24th.  Cost is $1000 per person.

I am pleased to note that James Currie of Birding Adventures TV and Greg Miller of “The Big Year” will both be joining me on this trip, April 24-27.  This trip is a great opportunity to experience migrating species up close, wonderful tropical seabitd colonies, and meet two great personalities in the birding world.

Additional Dry Tortugas trips are available with Florida Nature Tours on April 13-16; April 20-23; May 3-6; May 7-10.  For details and trip registration, please visit website  Florida Nature Tours  (www.floridanaturetours.net)   or call 407.384.9766 for further information.