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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