Oh Baby It's a Wild World: New Sightings on Sanibel, A bird Watcher's Paradise

Sanibel Island is one of America's most popular bird-watching sites. Hosting approximately 240 species of feathered friends, the island is an ornithological treasure. Due to Sanibel's ecology-minded population, over half the island has been preserved as wildlife habit. In addition to J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find endless trails and birding spots. Sanibel is only 15 miles long, but boasts freshwater wetlands, mangrove stands, beaches, dune and coastal ridge woodland. Located at the lower end of the Florida peninsula, Sanibel is a natural flyway terminus, as well as a stopover or destination for migrating birds.


Favorite birdwatching sites are:

J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge including Wildlife Drive, Indigo Trail, and the Shell Mound Trail

The Bailey Tract on Rabbit Road

The many SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) properties

The causeway islands approaching Sanibel from the mainland

All gulf beaches on both Sanibel and nearby Captiva Island

In the mangrove islands of Pine Island Sound, consider paddling via kayak or
canoe

Offshore, white pelicans are usually found in Pine Island Sound, visible by
boat

Tarpon Bay on Sanibel

Along the bayous and back bay waters of Sanibel

Along Roosevelt Channel on Captiva Island

The lighthouse area of Sanibel

Osprey nests up above the bike paths and Sanibel-Captiva Road

Osprey nests at the Sanibel School

All local golf courses!



Wild life sightings on Sanibel have been diverse and exciting this summer in particular, making a holiday stay extra special. Just last week, there were nearly 50 species of birds recorded in Ding Darling alone. These included Killdeer, Willets, three different kinds of doves, six types of herons, and two types of wood peckers. Fine feathered friends we have a plenty.


The sheer volume of birds on Sanibel will astound you. They are a much-noticed and highly-appreciated part of island life. As a birder, you'll really enjoy being in a place that is so bird-conscious. One of the local newspapers runs a birding column. The local Audubon club is active. Resorts make guests aware of birds nesting on the beach, in order to protect their habitat. Traffic stops frequently for herons or egrets to cross Periwinkle Way or Sanibel-Captiva Road. Most fishing guides are knowledgeable of the birds that inhabit Pine Island Sound, and the island skies. (They can take you out to see the rare white pelican if you visit in the winter.) Even island children can identify several bird types.