A great horned owl.

Save Our Seabirds: A Hidden Oasis for Wildlife & Visitors in Sarasota

A hidden haven awaits on Sarasota’s City Island.

Save Our Seabirds offers an unforgettable experience for families, bird lovers and curious travelers alike. Wander the shaded Bird Walk, where parrots chatter and dance for fun, sandhill cranes lift their booming calls into the air and owls peer from their perches with quiet curiosity. It’s a serene escape tucked amid lush subtropics and mangroves, complete with running ponds, leafy paths and quiet corners—a refuge from bustling city life for both birds and people.

A Close-Up Look at Wildlife

A barred owl.

See a barred owl, known for its baritone hoot.

The birds you’ll meet here cannot return to the wild, and their stories carry an important message of conservation. Nearly 100 residents along the Bird Walk each bring their own personality, giving visitors a glimpse into Sarasota’s wild side. Save Our Seabirds is a free, family-friendly destination where you can stroll at your own pace or arrange guided tours and activities for school groups and special interests.

See Conservation in Action

Pelicans rest in water.

See pelicans in their natural habitat.

Save Our Seabirds responds to more than 5,000 calls each year—from pelicans entangled in fishing line to owls struck by passing cars. Every rescue begins with someone noticing a bird in need. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly to provide medical care and a fighting chance for these wild birds to return to the skies. Your visit, tour or donation directly supports this lifesaving work, making each moment at the Bird Walk both memorable and impactful.

Florida’s Birding Hotspot

A sandhill crane.

Sandhill cranes are known for their unique bugling calls.

Birds are a defining part of Florida’s identity—ospreys soaring over the bay, sandhill cranes calling across wetlands, pelicans gliding over the Gulf. Of the 500 species found in the state, 320 can be seen in Sarasota either year-round or seasonally, making the region a true birding paradise. A trip to Save Our Seabirds is your chance to experience this incredible wildlife up close—and make a difference in their lives.

Plan Your Visit

Two cormorants.

Watch graceful cormorants play.

Save Our Seabirds is located on City Island, just minutes from St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach. Open daily, the Bird Walk welcomes guests of all ages for free. Come meet the residents, hear their calls and immerse yourself in this peaceful coastal haven.

Make a Day of It on City Island

A bald eagle receives care.

Save Our Seabirds provides critical care to birds who are injured, in danger or at risk.

  • 12:00 p.m. – Pelican Feeding Frenzy: Watch these spectacular birds in action.
  • 1:00 p.m. – Ravenous Raptors Show: Learn about the power and precision of Florida’s raptors.
  • 1:30 p.m. – Parrot Playtime: Check out the many special talents of our parrots!
  • 2:00 p.m. – Ski-a-Rees Show (seasonal): Catch the acrobatics of rescued waterfowl.
  • Nearby fun – Enjoy waterside dining at The Old Salty Dog, explore playgrounds and boardwalks through the mangroves or sign up for sailing lessons with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.


Whether you’re seeking adventure, a peaceful stroll or a chance to connect with Florida’s iconic birds, Save Our Seabirds is a must-visit destination that combines wildlife wonder with conservation impact.