Pelagic Birds Are Washing Up On Florida Shores: Here’s Why

We’re almost one month into Hurricane Season here in Florida. The temperatures are rising and those afternoon showers are hitting the spot right about now. But, the storms lingering offshore are causing Great Shearwater Birds to wash up on Florida’s beaches across the state.

A few days ago, the Florida Wildlife Hospital took to Facebook to release a statement about these Pelagic birds. They said: “The current tropical system off the Florida coast has brought in an influx of shearwater birds, we have received over 40 within the last couple of days. Shearwaters are pelagic birds and they are currently migrating off the Florida coast.”

The Florida Wildlife Hospital let us in on what to do if you find one of these Great Shearwater Birds beached or further inland. You’ll want to gently pick up the bird using a towel. Then, move them into a box such as a small dog or cat cage.

You’ll want to stay quiet around these birds so that you can keep them calm. It is best to not talk to the bird or try handling it after you’ve secured it in a box or cage. Then, transport the Great Shearwater Bird to the Florida Wildlife Hospital.

Mary Foulks, a volunteer with Ark Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, says, “The biologist gave us a preliminary report of what she was thinking was that it was related to their migration exhaustion and then hitting these easterly winds and the weather and the rough surf.”

The Great Shearwater Bird migrates about 6000 miles for food and breeding. The storms offshore are causing heavy surf and high winds that make these birds more fatigued. 

When they do wash up on Florida’s beaches, many of them are said to be so tired they can’t walk or fly. If you find one of these birds, reach out to the Florida Wildlife Hospital or the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission).

The Florida Wildlife Hospital is open from 9 AM - 4:30 PM. If you find one of these birds after hours, the FWH has drop-off boxes that are monitored by the staff.

Taking your family to a beautiful Florida beach can be so much fun and very relaxing. But what kills the fun almost immediately is when you can't find parking anywhere. Driving around in circles only to see that every lot is full can really get you down. But then there's a glimmer of hope when several parking lots where you can pay to park. Paying $5 or even $10 doesn't seem too bad when you have a car full of kids screaming "Are we there yet?" However, the cost of parking at Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach has skyrocketed over the years. If you want to know where the best free or cheap beach parking is look no further.

Our biggest tip for finding free parking at one of the most famous beaches in Tampa Bay is to go early. That might not be ideal if you're traveling from far away but trust us, it's worth it. You're not going to deal with the hassle of fighting for parking with every other family. And if you are fighting for parking the worst part is you'll just be following the same cars from street to street hoping for a spot to open up. Which is unlikely because once you get to the beach you're not leaving for a while. The perfect time to get a free parking spot at the beach arriving between 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. which might seem too early, but you'll thank us later. For all available free beach access in St. Pete click HERE. And if you need to find free beach access in Clearwater click HERE.

Parking prices have gotten outrageously expensive. We've seen reports that some parking prices on holiday weekends like Mother's Day charge as much as $70! One mom was extremely upset about the hike in prices saying, "Don’t go to Madeira beach, they just raised their prices again for parking. I paid $70 to park there on Mother’s Day and it was ridiculous." Again, you can find free parking but that's first come first serve so if you don't want to pay that expensive fee make sure you get there extra early. See our options below for affordable parking in Tampa Bay by scrolling down.

Fort Desoto Beach is absolutely beautiful peaceful beach that's a great option. Last time we went it was anywhere between $5-$8 per car for parking. Either way that's a steal compared to other areas that are charging an arm and a leg.

Entrance to the park is free and parking only costs $5 per day. However, they are closed on certain holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. They open daily at 7 a.m. and close at sunset. Great option for families.

Another option you might like is Honeymoon Island. Last time we went it was only $8 for per car and very relaxing. That is way more affordable than $70 at other beaches. Definitely worth the drive to check it out.

Life hack for you! Park behind the shops, where residents live, there’s always parking, and no one tows. Yes, it’s slightly further of a walk, but it’s really not that far, maybe extra 5 minutes of walking, but it’s free parking.

There's several areas there that are hourly and it only costs $2 an hour. You can find the location on the Parkmobile app. Check before you go are on your way there. Again, get there early.