Key West National Wildlife Refuge a haven for birders and backcountry sightseeing.
From the Southernmost point of the United States west to the Marquesas Keys lies a federal refuge renowned for its back country saltwater fishing and bird watching. The refuge, one of three falling under Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex umbrella, comprises 26 islands and more than 300 square miles of see-to-the-bottom open water.
Most areas are open to boating, but forget taking a ride on a personal watercraft out here. This place is protected because of the birds and turtles which nest on the islands.
Key West National Refuge was one of the first refuges to be created in the United States. As the 19th Century came to a close, wearing hats with real bird feathers was as common, especially for women, as wearing underwear. Many even wore full-blown taxidermied birds on their heads (think Titanic). This led to the near-extinction of some species in the Florida Keys, particularly the beautiful great white heron. They were slaughtered by the masses for their value in the hat industry until almost none survived. President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 created a special breeding ground for the wading birds to thrive, off-limits to hunting, on the beautiful islands outside of Key West. The rest is history, but travelers come from all over the world to see the birds here in their peaceful tropical landscape..
While you’re in the refuge, look for:
- Great white herons
- Sooty terns
- Brown and black noddies
- Boobies
- Birdled terns
- Band-rumped storm petrels
Propeller-driven boats, row boats, kayaks, canoes and sailboats are permitted in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, but Courage is the vessel of choice for an effortless and comfortable day of sight-seeing.
Some areas have idle speed or no-motor zones. Do your homework here: click here.
Also, tubing and waterskiing are not allowed and leave the drone at home.
Check out these other stops throughout the Keys for fantastic birding opportunities:
Jack Watson and Fred Manillo Trails
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
Where are your favorite places to break out the bonoculars in the Key West backcountry?