By Peter Roos
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary celebrated their tenth anniversary in September, an incredible milestone, having treated over 30,000 birds, completing several improvement projects, acquiring some incredible new resident birds, and overcoming the devastation of the storms in 2024.
The Tampa Bay area serves as a critical stopover point for hundreds of species, including the well-traveled Red Knot, a threatened shorebird who travels over 19,000 miles annually from their breeding grounds in the high arctic to the southernmost tip of South America and back. Our hospital also begins to see an influx of juvenile seabirds who fledged earlier in the summer and are embarking on their first migration, and we often see several who are struggling to thrive. The first year for all species is incredibly difficult, and human actions can make their journey even harder.
Our team was surprised to receive a call about a Roseate Spoonbill, who was found nearly unconscious and minimally responsive. Spoonbills are a rare patient, and it had been nearly two years since our hospital has received one. We are unsure of the exact cause of their illness, but we suspect it is likely botulism or another environmental neurotoxin. Upon arrival, our team immediately began critical care, and we were crossing our fingers that the bird would pull through. Only three days later, our rescue line received a call for another spoonbill with a similar illness. After several days of around the clock care, we were thrilled to see both spoonbills progressing and responding well. Once both were stable enough for “recess” in our hospital, we introduced the pair to our beloved Avian Ambassador, Meatball, who has been over the moon to have a few pink friends. Both spoonbills have been transitioned into an outdoor conditioning enclosure, and we are very optimistic about their release in the near future!
Roseate Spoonbills are one of Florida’s most unique species, and they play a critical role as an indicator species for the Florida Everglades. Their breeding success is directly correlated with the water levels and water quality in the Everglades and studying them allows researchers to make informed decisions regarding Everglades conservation efforts. Their distinct bill has hundreds of nerve endings, and they swing their bill back and forth through the water in search of food. They eat a variety of invertebrates, crustaceans, small fish, and more. While many people associate spoonbills with flamingos, they are much shorter than their famous pink friends and spoonbills also do not need to eat food high in beta-carotene to stay pink; they are just born that way!
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Sanctuary relies solely on private donations and do not receive any financial assistance from the government. There are many ways that you can donate to help continue their mission:
- Donate via Bloomerang (qr to scan below)
- Donate daily-use items through our Amazon Wishlist www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3STYALT55MK96
- Mail checks made payable to: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL 33785
To include the Sanctuary as a beneficiary in your estate or trust, simply name the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in your will.
Their federal tax ID is 81-3774704. seasideseabirdsanctuary.org