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.