Fort De Soto Park
This is one of the most popular birding destinations in the United States. More than 330 species of birds have been sighted here! The park consists of five interconnected keys with mangroves, wetlands, hardwood/palm hammocks, mudflats and nearly 6 miles of sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy the paddling trail, a paved hike-and-bike trail, campground, picnic areas, two fishing piers, boat launch and ferry service to Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge and Shell Key Preserve. This barrier island complex is superb for wildlife photography. Roseate Spoonbills and Reddish Egrets feed on the flats, and both night-herons hunt for fish and crabs in the wetlands and mangroves. 20+ species of shorebird have been recorded and there are always lots of gulls and terns to enjoy. Please respect posted nesting areas, which are off-limits to humans. Fort De Soto is famous for attracting major rarities; Curlew Sandpiper, Razorbill, Heerman’s Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Elegant Tern, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Thick-billed Vireo, Yellow-green Vireo, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Kirtland’s Warbler, and Bananaquit have been recorded. As storms and rising sea levels continue to change the ecology of the park, expect changes to the scenery and shape of the shoreline each time you visit.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
Managed By: Pinellas County
Operational Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk.
Size: 1,068 acres