Amenities
Stroll through the 1.5 acre Sanctuary to view nearly 100 birds on display
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the 1.7-acre sanctuary which is home to nearly 100 permanently disabled birds which are on display in large aviaries. Some of the permanent residents include Eastern Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, Gulls, Oyster Catchers, American White Pelicans, Hawks, Vultures, Blue Jays, Sandhill Cranes, Great Blue Herons, Owls, macaws, and much more.
Great Place for Photography Lovers
In addition to the Sanctuary's display birds, the grounds are home to a countless number of wild birds who freely roam the Sanctuary, and nest in the trees above. Due to this, the Sanctuary is perfectly suited for bird watchers and photographers, as many stroll the grounds of the Sanctuary enjoying the tremendous photography opportunities.
Learn about Birds and Avian Medicine in the Sanctuary's Education Center
Visit the Sanctuary’s Education Center to learn more about wild birds, their natural habitat, avian medicine, and wildlife rehabilitation, and what we do here at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. On display are various items such as eggs, bones, and feathers belonging to various species of birds. Also on display are vintage and current avian medical equipment that was once used, or is currently used in the avian medicine and rehabilitation field.
Enjoy the breathtaking view on the Sanctuary's Observation Tower
Located in the Sanctuary's Shade Garden is the observation tower. Here visitors can enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as all of the native Florida birds that can be found on the surrounding beach. Learn about the local plant life with the aid of educational signs on display on the tower.
Special Events for the kids in our Youth Activities Classroom
Kids will enjoy the special events and activities that are held in the Sanctuary's Youth Activities Classroom such as the Screech Owl Presentation, as well as the "Reading with Rufous" Storytime event. Check the Sanctuary's event calendar for dates and times of classroom events.
Browse the Sanctuary's Gift Shop
Visit the Sanctuary's gift shop for an ice-cold beverage, or to browse the wide variety of merchandise available such as t-shirts, hats, educational books, paintings, magnets, and more.
Gilligan's Island / Jim Backus Memorial
View the memorial dedicated to the late Jim Backus (Mr. Howell of Gilligan's Island) from longtime Redington Shores Resident Dawn Wells (Mary-Ann of Gilligan's Island), located in the Sanctuary's Shade Garden near the White Pelican viewing area.
Pelican Hand-Feeding Presentation...
The Pelican Hand-Feeding Presentation takes place daily at 2:30pm in front of the Pelican aviaries. Here visitors can watch while Sanctuary staff hand-feed the Eastern Brown Pelicans fish, all the while a staff member teaches you important facts about pelicans.
Screech Owl Presentation...
The Screech Owl Presentation takes place every Tuesday and Thursday, and is held in the Youth Activities Classroom at 1:30pm. Here visitors will meet “Rufous,” the Sanctuary’s Eastern Screech Owl, and listen while a Sanctuary staff member teaches you everything you want to know about Eastern Screech Owls.
Barn Owl Presentation
The Barn Owl Presentation takes place every Friday at 2:00pm in front of the Sanctuary's avian hospital. During the presentation visitors will meet “Cypress,” the Sanctuary’s permanent resident barn owl, and listen while a Sanctuary volunteer teaches you everything you want to know about barn owls.
Reading with Rufous
It's story time at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary!
Bring your kids down to the Sanctuary to meet Rufous, the Sanctuary's resident eastern screech owl, while Amy Nulph, one of the Sanctuary's Avian Hospital Specialists, reads stories from the "Hello Little Owl" book series, written and illustrated by Mary Uihlein. "Reading with Rufous" is a fun, educational experience for younger kids.
Bird Releases on the Beach
Throughout the month Seaside will conduct public bird releases out on the beach in front of the Sanctuary. Watch as Seaside staff releases successfully rehabilitated pelicans, gulls, cormorants, and terns, all the while the Sanctuary's Director of Operations gives an oral presentation.
Guided Tours & Special Events
Special Events
Seaside often holds special events at the Sanctuary such a photography classes, Easter egg hunts, Halloween costume contests, yoga classes, and much more. Visit our event calendar to see what is coming up.
Guided Tours
Prefer to have a guided tour through the 1.7-acre Sanctuary? Whether it's for an individual or a large group, guests can book a guided tour through our Sanctuary ahead of time.
Book your own Event at the Sanctuary
Want to hold a special event at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary? The Sanctuary is the perfect place to hold weddings and children's birthday parties.