Walking the Bailey Tract: Sanibel's Special Stroll

A little over a month ago, we wrote a post about  the joys of walking on the Island.

We specifically highlighted the Ding Darling Preserve, which would have to be taken in smaller pieces on a walk.

And while Ding Darling offers wonderful sightings of a large variety of birds, it does necessitate a modest entrance fee in addition to sharing the road with cars.

But not far from the entrance to the huge Ding Darling Preserve, there is a small tract of land that appears untouched and almost pre-historic.

The Bailey Tract, actually part of Ding Darling, is an intimate space.  The walk is limited, only a little over 2 miles around the tract, and the birds you will see are sometimes far off, but there is a good variety of them.  Best of all, chances are good you will observe that pristine environment with no to little human interaction.

The 100 acres of the Bailey Tract were first owned by Frank P. Bailey, whose descendants own Bailey's Store on Tarpon Bay Road.

 

The tract was originally pristine spartina marsh, with cordgrass and sawgrass.

Today, cattails have replaced much of the spartina, due to the human impact of nutrient runoff. Strangler fig, and buttonwood are the most common trees, and saltbush and wax myrtle are the most common shrubs.

But as delightful as the native vegetation is, the birdsightings while walking the narrow dirt paths is even more pleasing. 

Wading birds like White Ibis, egrets and herons are common in the Bailey Tract, and Osprey are frequent, but the freshwater environment offers a habitat for different birds that avoid the salty mangrove habitat.

 

Species of ducks, bitterns, rails, Common Moorhen, Common Snipe, American Kestrel and others are sometimes found here. Songbirds like warblers and sparrows are more likely to be found in the Bailey Tract, especially during migration seasons when the freshwater habitat provides an important stopover site.

Alligators are frequently seen basking on a sunny bank, frequently accompanied by turtles.

Snakes, lizards, and frogs can also be found but are less likely to be seen.

River otters, bobcats and armadillos are present in the Bailey Tract,

but are rarely seen. Raccoons, marsh rabbits, Sanibel Rice-rats, house mice, and opossum are other mammals of this habitat. Finding a spot to sit and watch quietly is often the best way to get a look at these shy creatures.

 

The Bailey Tract, even amongst Sanibel's abundant nature and verdant flora is a special place to walk, to bird, to photograph and to experience Sanibel as it was decades ago.   Just a few suggestions before you go:

 

Binoculars and camera are highly recommended.

Please do not collect plants or natural artifacts.

Bring water, sunscreen, hat and insect repellant.

Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Finding and Identifying Birds on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island has become a magnet for those who love birds.

Birders, photographers, wild life artists, are drawn to our tropic shores to seek out our avian friends.

And while we boast having 245 species of birds, knowing where and when to find them is an advantage in planning your day.

Some types of birds call Sanibel Island their permanent home, while other species, such as ruby-crowned kinglets, ruddy ducks, pine warblers, Wilson's warblers, Savannah sparrows and pectoral sandpipers are rare sightings. During spring and summer months, great egret, great blue heron, osprey, brown pelican and double-breasted cormorant sightings are common. If you're visiting during autumn or winter, be on the lookout for egrets, plovers, laughing gulls, Eurasian collared-doves and Eastern screech owls. Some bird species, such as Carolina wrens, are common year--round.

Where you find them is best determined by the species of bird.  While some, such as the Ibis, can be seen on the beach, in the mangroves and even on people's beautiful lawns, many species have only one specific "hang out". 

Ding Darling is very desirable residence for many species, some wading along the bayou waters, some hidden in the tree canopies, some on the sand bars, some in the mangroves.  But knowing what you are seeing, as our feathered friends may be at some distance, requires at least two birding aids. A good pair of binoculars as well as a good field bird guide are essential in seeing these avian beauties and knowing exactly what you are seeing.

Two excellent field guides are The Sibley Field Guide to Birds as well as the O'Brien/Crossley Shorebird Guide.  And no, we do not have stock in either book publisher, but have used both and have been happy with the relative ease of id-ing birds with both. And it is not always easy to differentiate among shore birds.  There are so many varieties and so many look very much alike.

Both guides referenced have detailed illustrations which define special markings, colors, size of bird and shape of beak.  While you can not use the guides to establish songs and calls, they do give the birds' range , thereby helping to determine if the bird you are seeing and comparing is actually a likely ID for this area. 

While there are so many wonderful things to do on Sanibel, even neophyte bird watchers will enjoy the places where bird sightings are easiest and most satisfying.  From the Sanibel pier, to the Bailey Tract, there will be birds of all feathers providing almost endless sighting opportunities as well as photography enticements.

Using your hands to create beautiful Sanibel art: Shell crafting at its best!

We love when those in the know , know Sanibel Island.

We especially love it when their enthusiasm gets wide distribution.

And so when we came upon an article on Sanibel shell collecting and crafting on Martha Stewart's website, we were delighted.

Stewart is certainly an American icon for crafting, and her detailed article from the point of view of shelling and crafting is liberally quoted here, with some special additions of our own.

She asks her readers to imagine piles of colorful seashells shimmering on pure white sands, cerulean waters lapping at the coastline.  And goes on to say: " What sounds like an artist's fantastical rendition of paradise is found on Sanibel Island, on Florida's southwest coast. Serious shell collectors and crafters know the secret this paradise holds: its 17 miles of beaches blanketed with more than 200 species of seashells, one of the Earth's largest natural selections."

Unlike most islands, which run parallel to a coast, the Barrier Islands of southwest Florida -- including Sanibel and its sister island, Captiva -- run perpendicular. They extend like a bent finger into the sea, curling into the Gulf of Mexico and into the path of storms, beckoning nature's bounty to come hither. Tidal motions push shells, sand dollars, and other treasures onto the sandy beaches, covering the shore.

Sanibel Island is heralded as one of the world's top shelling destinations, on par with Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The region is also prized for its wildlife; birding and fishing are other popular pursuits.

Now those accolades alone would make Martha a champion in our books, but she also advises crafters on the where's, how's and why's regarding shell collecting and shell crafting.

 

Sanibel Island is heralded as one of the world's top shelling destinations, on par with Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

March is peak season on Sanibel, with activities such as the annual Sanibel Shell Fair and Show. But the shell selection is plentiful year-round. Planning your trip another part of the year will result in better prices and fewer people.

Hannah Milman, crafts executive editorial director for Martha Stewart Living and a regular Sanibel visitor since 1993, suggests packing a bucket, a stash of small resealable plastic bags, a hat, sunscreen, and a flashlight. Remember your rain gear, and should it storm during your vacation, consider it a blessing, not a curse: You can expect a greater bounty of shells after a storm.

The best shelling is done at low tide, preferably after a full moon. Check tidal charts, which are posted on signs at many beaches and hotels, as well as at the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce.
Respect for and preservation of the environment is paramount on Sanibel and Captiva. It is illegal to take "live" shells from these and the surrounding islands. If you discover life in your treasures, return them to the sea.

Many hotels and vacation rentals offer outdoor tables for you to sort your day's find. Be sure to clean your shells and sand dollars before you pack them, rinsing in water until it runs clear. Pack your shells carefully.

After you've collected and sorted your shells, you can turn them into wondrous creations.  Classes in shell crafting are offered each Monday at the Sanibel Community Center.

The Sanibel Shell Fair and Show, held every March in the historic community house, welcomes artisans, naturalists, and collectors. Visit the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce for a calendar of events.

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum houses a vast collection of rare shells as well as exhibits relating to the history of shell art. The museum also offers lessons in preservation.

After all of your searching, if you still find your collection incomplete, supplement it with shells in uncommon shapes and colors from any of the island's many shops, including Sanibel Seashell Industries, 239-472-1603; Showcase Shells, 239-472-1971 or scshells@gte.net; and She Sells Sea Shells, 239-472-6991 or sanibelseashells@aol.com.

Heads Up on Availability for Winter 2016: Sanibel's Worldwide Appeal

Over decades, the word has spread.

Sanibel Island is the ideal vacation spot.

A barrier island full of topicality , surrounded by moving and still waters and home to 245 species of birds, 50 varieties of fish in our waters, 250 kinds of shells and 15 miles of beach, it appeals to a wide array of people.

And, now, we are seeing two special occurrences. 

Summers , which are considered off-season, are quite popular with visitors from out of the country.  Listening to snippets of conversation at the beaches and restaurants, you will hear more foreign languages than English spoken.  It is not only our attractions bringing in Europeans and Canadians, it is our pricing structure.  Prices on the island, particularly when compared to beach locations in European countries, are quite modest.  For a nature island, a top priority for many vacationers, Sanibel offers a wide array of amenities, and that appeals to American and out of country visitors as well.

And while there has always been heavy demand for winter , high season rentals, there is additional interest.  The last several years of cold, snow and ice along the east coast, mid west and even west coast has created a bigger demand for both homes and condos on the Island.

We are finding very little availability to offer to guests who are seeking a warm, colorful and inviting respite for the months of January through March, with December now turning into a viable contender for popular months of the year.

Right now , as one example, among condos offering 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for two consecutive weeks in February, there are only 3 units open in our portfolio as we compose this blog post.  Private homes are even more scarce.

And while we would like to believe that our service and accommodations are superior,  with bookings in advance of other properties, the truth is that scarcity appears to be an island wide phenomenon. 

So for any and everyone entertaining a dream of a lush tropical escape in South West Florida ,  we can only repeat an oft stated truism: He who hesitates is lost.