If you are a bird lover and live in the area, just passing through or vacationing for a few days, you must visit this wild bird sanctuary! This is a very well maintained sanctuary and you can tell that the birds are well taken care of. The birds look healthy and, their spaces are clean. Each space tells you the bird's name, its background and why it is there. We visited with and saw so many beautiful birds, it was awesome. We even saw other birds visiting their buddies, like my beloved Cardinal bird. You can walk a short distance through the mangroves to see the shoreline. It is very pretty. Please donate the requested $10 per person to help their efforts and visit their cute outdoor gift shop. They offer merchandise that makes nice gifts. We will be back! read more

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Loved this stop along our trip down the keys. They do fabulous work (1000+ birds a year come through their doors). Most are rehabilitated and released. All the resident birds have their story on their habitat and so many have lived there for many many years. They ask for a $10 donation per person - honor system no one is manning the entrance. Well worth it for a quick stop to stretch your legs and support a good cause. read more

Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary - Entrance - Animal Shelters Near Me - Tavernier, Florida

What a cool spot on the side of the road! Optional donations (there's no staff that we saw). Huge variety of cool birds just hanging out in their cages. read more

Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Tavernier, Florida

Cool experience interesting to see the animals on display some beautiful birds. It's free but asks you to donate and please do every dollar helps the birds. read more

Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Tavernier, Florida

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what a beautiful spot, i really loved being able to connect with and learn about the birds here. it's a really thoughtful and special place, i recommend stopping by and bringing the family read more

I've passed though the Florida Keys more times than I can remember over the past 20 years and I wish I knew how many times my husband made us stop by here. Don't get me wrong, I love it here but my hubby REALLY LOVES THIS PLACE. The care for many birds that cannot survive on their own anymore. Some were hit by cars, some hurt by fishing tackle and hooks, some flew into windows. Generally they care for them (and release if able to rehabilitate). The facility is impressive; lots of very large outdoor cages with plenty of room to move about. All the cages are along this raised boardwalk over mangroves/marsh. At the end of the boardwalk there is a great view of the gulf of mexico. It's free but they do accept donations (but there is no pressure at all to give). read more

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Beautiful sanctuary, the birds were well cared for with lots of enrichment in their enclosures. I would definitely come back. My only complaint is the lack of staff on the premises. A group brought dogs into the sanctuary, which was very clearly distressing to the birds and obviously not allowed according to several posted signs. It would be nice for someone to be here all the time to ensure people don't bother the birds with their entitlement. Other than that, fantastic spot and I highly recommend it. read more

Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Tavernier, Florida

There are 2 locations- we went to the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary because the other one was open weekdays only. It's donation based- entry is free, but they suggest a $10 per person donation (cash or Venmo or PayPal or Cash App all accepted) Lots of informative signs. They only keep birds whose injuries/conditions make them unable to live safely in the wild. read more

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Lots of birds to see. Very well kept and the birds seem super happy and comfortable. Nice boardwalk around the property and it goes down to the water at the end. You may get to see a crocodile and other sea life. Worth the suggested $10 donation and they accept cash, Venmo, PayPal and Cashapp! Check it out if you are looking for something quick to pass time between adventures. read more

Keep them flying Bird sanctuary and hospital healing Sad but encouraging By donation ...hard to find - signage could use help (just like these birds) read more

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This is an amazing center. The birds have big enclosures and signs telling the story of the situation. The volunteers were working hard to keep everything in good shape. The sign is not very big and we passed the entrance and had to turn around. This was my favorite thing on Key Largo and I was happy to donate to them. read more

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Nice little stop on the drive to KW. Make sure to bring some cash for your donation. If you're not a fan of spiders, like myself, be careful of all the spider webs above the boardwalks. Some stretched over the walkway. The birds seem very well taken care of. We loved the owls the best. Not a long stop at all, we spent about a half hour here. Worth it though! read more

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A beautiful little sanctuary with such a good purpose! Stopped in at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center after reading about it on TimeOut Miami. They had various birds from hawks to owls to small backyard birds as well, each with their own unique story. An absolute wonderful visit, hoping to stop in again soon! While entrance is free, they do ask for donations! Please donate to help keep this program going :) read more

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I couldn't tell you how many times I have traveled the Overseas Highway on my way to Key West and have never noticed the sign to this hidden gem. On this day, a serious accident stopped the Overseas Highway dead in it's tracks and we just happened to be right in front of the entrance to the Bird Center; I think fate brought me here because this is my kind of place. Did I mention the Center is "free"? Just in case, yes, it is free to visit. Donations are welcome and they survive on them but in general it is free... From US1 you cannot see into the property, just the rock covered driveway leading to the limited parking (which never appears to fill up)... all the parking leads to the pedestrian entrance to the observation areas. The pedestrian entrance takes you and other guests onto the raised boardwalks (over mangroves and other vegetation) that take you on a tour of various enclosures (large ones, not simple/small cages). In these enclosures are a variety of birds that the Center provides sanctuatary since these birds can no longer survive in the wild. The variety of birds is impressive and for the most part, they are all birds that live in the Florida Keys/South Florida... Owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, kestrels, vultures, pelicans, cormorants, anhingas and so many more. The end of the path leads to an opening to the Gulf of Mexico; amazing views for fantastic photos (or selfies). Also a great spot to watch the sunset. Off the path, near the parking areas is a large home/building; I have no idea if it's used as a home or if its where they do any king of rehabilitation. More importantly, there are a few more enclosures with some song birds and other colorful birds; on my first visit years ago, we met "Pickles"... "Pickles" was a white cockatoo... a bird that can live as long as 60 years but this one is here because his owner didn't have the time for him. The moment we him he was hopping around, making hysterical noises and wouldn't stop playing. It was love at first sight; sadly Pickles passed away and has a gravestone to memorialize him. read more

Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Tavernier, Florida

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I appreciate their dedication and vision to helping rehabilitate and save these birds. They place is a bit quirky but I liked it! There are many birds that I've never seen before. My favorites were the large owls! I also enjoyed reading about the birds and learning why they are being rehabilitated. It is free admission, just walk on through and follow the boardwalk. You're encouraged to donate. read more

Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary - Animal Shelters Near Me - Tavernier, Florida

Good small fun. You really wouldn't know about this place unless you knew about them which is really sort of a shame. Honestly, used to stay a stone's throw from here in Tavernier every year for about ten or eleven years and never knew about them. You should. Sure, you could do them in 20 minutes or spend half a day, up to you. Lots of interesting birds and a wonderful bayside view worth exploring. Birdie birdie in the sky, why'd you do that in my eye! Honest fun. read more

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The Wild Bird Center in Tavernier is composed of the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary and the Mission Wild Bird Hospital. Right now only the sanctuary is open to the public. They open every day from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center & gift shop at the hospital is currently closed due to COVID precautions. However, the hospital is admitting injured birds. It is a peaceful stroll on the boardwalk. Along the way, you will see many different species of birds: owls, hawks, pelicans, falcons, ospreys, seagulls, etc. Due to their injuries, all the birds living at the sanctuary are unable to return to the wild. The boardwalk leads to a beach. I was not expecting the beach, so it was a pleasant and beautiful surprise. Be sure to check out the Pelican feeding at 8:00 am and 2:30 pm every day. There is no entrance fee; however, they do accept donations. There is a tablet right at the entrance, where you pay whatever you want. The suggested donation is $10. It all goes to help care for the birds. Definitely, it is a great family activity. 5 stars. read more

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You can find a wide variety of cool birds here. Each exhibit has a placard with interesting information about the relevant bird. The center takes in birds that would otherwise have died out in the wild (for example, a bird missing one wing), which is very nice. The people running the center seem really excited about taking care of all their birds. They have some pelicans, but they were hidden behind a thick curtain. I think they were repairing something in the exhibit. read more

This was a great way to spend an hour. Not a huge sanctuary, but lots of beautiful birds to enjoy. The female cardinal was our favorite!! She was SO friendly. She came up to the fence as soon as we walked up, and she chirped at us for attention. We talked to her and she just chirped back. As soon as we started walking, she'd follow us. So adorable. The blue jays too are really friendly and curious. Would definitely come back. read more

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As a current intern at the sanctuary and wild bird hospital, the sanctuary is the place to go if you want to see lots of different bird species! We have turkey vultures, a barn owl, barred owl, great horned owl, eastern screech owls, short-tailed hawks, a Merlin hawk, red-shouldered hawks, broad-winged hawks, a Harris's hawk, songbirds, pelicans, cormorants, seagulls, and royal terns. There's also a gift shop a little further down road at the wild bird hospital if you're looking for cute bird merch! read more

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A good quick stop to see some cool birds. They just accept donations but it's worth it for the birds. It takes about 30 minutes to go through the entire thing and see all the birds I recommend going all the way through the trail to the Florida Bay behind the park. read more

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We went to the Laura Quinn sanctuary location which is open on weekends and holidays. It was nice to learn about so many bird varieties and each bird's personal history. read more

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Yesterday we stopped in at the Wild Bird Santuary where we got to see a beautiful white/beige owl, a green Parrot, some hawks, and other birds. This sanctuary is under construction but you can still wander around to look at what they have. Parking is free out in front of the sanctuary. There is no entrance fee. They really do need donations so please help them if you can! read more

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The Wild Bird Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases 1,000 birds a year. It was created by bird lady Laura Quinn. Laura was a sailor who carved birds for recreation on the boat. When she finally settled in the Keys her interest in birds led her to partner with veterinarian Dr. Robert Foley. Together they worked to rescue birds. As the number of birds who needed help grew so did the need to expand. Laura was able to acquire a 5.5 acre property. Three quarters of an acre were developed into a house and office and rest was left as natural habitat. The center was incorporated in 1988 and the sanctuary opened its doors in 1991. Laura Quinn has since passed on but her work of saving birds is carried on by dedicated staff, volunteers, and interns. I got a chance to visit the center recently on a trip to the Keys. You can visit their injured animals which during my visit included a red shoulder hawk, Comoran, a few owls, and pelicans. You can also see wild birds off the shore of the shore of the salt marsh. The center has the goal of rescuing birds but also wants to educate the public to help prevent injuries in the future. At the entrance to the center you can see a list of the current bird patients. From there you can follow the walkway around to the different enclosures to see the birds recuperating. The center runs entirely on donations. It's free to visit but they need donations to keep doing their wonderful work. I gave money this visit but they also have a wish list of items like dish soap, garbage bags, paper towels, mops, brooms, and freezer bags. I'll bring a few things next time I come. If you love the beautiful birds of Florida you will want to make this center a stop on your next trip to the Keys. read more

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This is a charming stop as you drive through the keys. They have some really cool birds including one that sings beautifully.

This place was on my list and I'm glad we went. It was on our way to Key West so it was great. Entrance is free also parking. We got to walk around this place that looks small but it's not. Filled with so many birds with information and a nice pathway to walk through and connect with the birds. The best part was at the end when we reached to the beach and we were able to enjoy that amazing view. read more

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I absolutely loved this bird sanctuary in Tavernier. The sanctuary is home to countless non-releasable wild birds that were brought in through the years after experiencing a traumatic accident leaving them incapable of fending for themselves in the wild. You will see from a one-eyed blue jay to a one winged barn owl. Loads of healthy and joyful pelicans swimming in their tiny plastic pool. I enjoyed the boardwalk leading up to the shoreline where if youre lucky, could enjoy those cottoncandy sunsets the keys are famous for. The is open year-round from sunrise till sunset w monetary donations to assist with upkeep for the facilities and wildlife. I highly recommend you taking the timw to visit anytime of day! read more

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Nice small, well maintained bird sanctuary. You enter and explore at your leisure and give donation instead of a set entry fee. And the walk way is shaded. There are stories sharing interesting facts about each type of bird. Wow, are they all so beautiful! Nice way to spend a 30-45 mins. read more

What is not love about this hidden FREE gem in the Keys?!?! Donations are asked so do not be cheap. Funds are needed to care for the birds. You go at your own pace so you could be in and out in 10 minutes OR take it all in and enjoy yourself gazing at Gods beautiful creatures for an hour. There is also a beautiful view of the water at the end so do not forget to bring your selfie stick or *gasp* actually camera for stunning photos. The birds love here due to negligence on behalf of people or just misfortune of being hit on the road. Plenty of parking. Dusk to Dawn hours. They have benches so you are able to just watch in peace the beautiful birds. read more

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This was a great find and a great way to experience natural beauty of Florida! The birds exhibits were great. Make sure to take a look at all the trees around, they are beautiful. read more

Great place to learn about birds that have been injured and cannot live in the wild. Donations are highly recommended at $10 per visitor. It was fun for us and a quick visit read more

We saw the sign for the wild bird sanctuary as we were driving by, so we stopped to visit and we were very glad we did. This is a fantastic place because they are caring for birds and waterfowl that can no longer survive in the wild due to injury or other circumstances. The boardwalk passes by several large, well-maintained enclosure containing owls, hawks, pelicans, cormorants, gulls, etc. The stories are posted on each enclosure so you can learn about the individual birds. While we were there, a staff member was feeding the birds of prey. (Seeing the dead mice and baby chicks being served may not be suitable for young kids) She clearly cared about the birds and their well-being. She was giving some of the owls a shower with the water hose & they were loving it. This amazing place is definitely worth a visit and a donation! read more

This is pretty much what I expected: it wasn't enormous, but it wasn't tiny, either. Dozens of different species of very interesting birds of all types, including hawks, ravens, owls, and all manner of really weird sea-birds. We spent a leisurely, enjoyable ~45 minutes here on our way down to Key West. I wouldn't pay a ton of money to stop here, but conveniently, you don't have to - it's real, proper donation-only, where they don't guilt trip you or anything, you can put money in a bucket if you want, or not, nobody's watching (we put in a few bucks, of course). Extra bonus: properly-maintained bathroom, a great thing to find on a long car trip. read more

Cute little bird rescue, we stopped in and spent about half an hour seeing pelicans, owls, hawks and lots of other local birds along a couple of walkways. I did get quite a few mosquito bites so I'd recommend spraying yourself down before you go. Donations accepted at the gate but it's free to visit. read more

A bit disappointing! I may have visited at a bad time or possibly during renovations. I saw a few birds but was hoping for Pelicans. There is a nice walkway around the enclosures to look at the birds. I felt like the enclosures were small and not well maintained. This facility may be funded or supported by donations only so stop in and check it out for yourself. Drop a donation no matter how big or small. Small parking area. Enjoy! read more

I'm not sure if this counts as a tourist attraction, but I think anyone who visits will love it. The Laura Quinn Bird Sanctuary is a rehabilitation center for many native marine, upland and estuarine birds. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the different birds, their places in the ecosystem and general behavior. Some of the better behaved (more sociable) birds are even employed as ambassadors for the center. They spread awareness about the dangers wild animals face, especially where there interactions with humans are concerned. I spent my time there with Ian Martin. He was extremely friendly and able to provide answers to every question I could think up. If you are a Wildlife lover, especially of the avian persuasion, you should definitely check this place out. read more

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This place is rescuing birds that have been injured. Interesting visit, that took us about 15 minutes or so. Nice boardwalk that takes you by the the bird enclosures, and leads you out to the ocean. Donations only. read more

We went to the Laura Quinn location. The birds are well taken care of. We loved seeing the variety and reading about each species. I however did not see the review mentioning spiders..... I would never have gone if I knew. I hate spiders. There are tons of webs and spiders along the board walk and most hanging across the path right above your head. We sadly didn't make it through the whole thing as I was too concerned and stressed by the spiders. We made a quick return back to our car. I love the initiative of rehabilitating injured birds, but we won't be back. read more

Nice facility! We went there unscheduled and were able to walk around at our leisure. You can tell they love their animals and so happy to see the good they do. It was very relaxing and nice, donations available to give at front but no pressure from them...meaning bigger tip from me! read more

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Such a cute place!!! Owls, hawks, parrots etc, I went at 6:00 pm and there was only a couple other people there so great non busy time to go. Very glad I came here read more

Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary - Owl - Animal Shelters Near Me - Tavernier, Florida

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