“It’s loud, but it’s a wonderful type of loud.” These are my thoughts as we approach Bird Island. Also known as Coffee Pot Bird Preserve, Bird Island is a haven for various bird species.
Bird Island in Tampa is small but significant. It is a sanctuary where you can see and hear nature’s symphony. A cross-section of birds flaps around this tiny island. Black crows and white ibis are common sights. Herons peer out from the mangroves. Roseate spoonbills occasionally pop up. Squadrons of brown pelicans dominate the island. All the birds seem to be in their feelings about one thing or another.
The chatter and chaos of Bird Island tell you where you are. Herons, egrets, pelicans, and crows alight on the mangroves. Streaks of silver on the leaves indicate the birds’ favorite branches. Bird romance takes place here. Hatchlings spend their early life in this melting pot.
Other islands in Tampa Bay boast large bird populations. The Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge has the largest brown pelican rookery in Florida. Egmont Key National Wildlife Preserve hosts over 35,000 pairs of shorebirds. These include royal terns, sandwich terns, skimmers, and laughing gulls.
Bird Island remains an anomaly. It is a vestige of St. Petersburg’s waterfront. The bird diversity is notable. According to Beth Forys, it is one of the best places to see birds from the shore. Bird Island makes an ideal habitat due to a lack of mammal predators. There are no terrestrial mammals on the island. No raccoons or coyotes can access this safe haven.
The birds on Bird Island tend to nest in trees. The number of birds and different species offer another benefit. Their combined presence is a better warning system against predators. They have a stronger defense.
In October 2006, the City of St. Petersburg designated Bird Island a preserve. A limited liability corporation, Bird Island LLC, bought the island for $60,000. They snatched the island from developers who planned to build stilt homes.
Some locals recall another controversy. They didn’t appreciate Bird Island’s odor. Hundreds of birds live here. Think of it as a salty condo complex. It includes kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
St. Petersburg’s public waterfront extends almost unbroken. It stretches from Lassing Park to the edges of Coffee Pot Bayou. The birds take it in their stride.
You can catch a glimpse of Bird Island. Walk along Brightwaters Boulevard in Snell Isle. Paddle past it. There is a public boat launch at Coffee Pot Park. It’s a quick trip south to the island. Remember that it is a preserve. The island and its inhabitants are strictly for eyes and cameras only.
Bird Island reminds us that wilderness is never far away. In Florida, nature persists. It thrives amidst civilization.