This is strip of sand and mangroves is Long Key as seen from the third level of Fort Jefferson, and flying overhead are magnificent frigatebirds. Long Key is the only nesting colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the United States. The island sits a relatively short distance east of Garden Key, the hub of Dry Tortugas National Park, but it's off limits to visitors. The three islands together look like an 'L' sitting on its side, with Long Key forming what would be the base and Garden the ascender. Look closely toward the right side of the photo and you'll see small red spots in the trees. Those are gulars — the balloon-like sacs of frigatebird males. Check out our frigatebird page for more on these birds and Long Key, click the link below. Bush Key, a major nesting ground for sooty terns and brown boobies, lies just to the left in between Long and Garden keys. Photo by David Sedore
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