The Friendliest Birds on Sanibel Island

For those as enthusiastic about birding as they are about shelling, Sanibel Island is an unbeatable destination.

And it is not just that we are the home for 300 species of birds, the diversity is also stunning.

We have big birds, little ones, mid sized ones and everything in between.

We have birds that love the beach, birds that love the tree tops, birds that love the wetlands and birds that love the scrublands.

But one of the things that most distinguishes our birds is not so much what they eat or even what habitat they choose.  The one defining aspect of our birds from an observation standpoint is the level of acceptance they appear to give to human intrusion.  And we must be honest and say that humans arrived on Sanibel much after birds did, so the two legged visitors are clearly intruders on the birds' island.

But , clearly, the birds are going with the flow.

They are staying put , and we are very happy for their loyalty.

It allows us to take a close up and personal look at our feathered friends---when they are in agreement with such an action.

And by and large, our waders are very tolerant of human company.  One can stand just 20 feet away from a Great Egret or Little Snowy Egret , especially when they are intent on their fishing expedition.  Similarly, a few of our shore birds are downright mellow.  Black Bellied Plovers will literally stand and pose on our shell-rich shores, and are very recognizable because of their larger size and distinctive black bellies. 

And there is no more obliging a woodland bird than our special Northern Mockingbird.  Not just pretty, but superbly talented as well, those looking to take a photo of a Mockingbird will be pleased at how long they will perch charmingly and allow the camera to capture their splendor.

By and large our herons, whether they be Little Blues or Green, are exceptionally at ease with two leggers.    And they make excellent subjects for the camera lenses.

But we must warn you that not every bird on Sanibel is inclined to let you see it, let alone snap a photograph.  Each fall, winter and spring, we have dozens of species of warblers and other small birds migrate through Sanibel.  It is a wonderful but fleeting sight to watch the rosy cheeked Cape May Warbler, the striking Black and White Warbler, and the Hooded Warbler flit around Ding Darling.  But unless you are supremely lucky or remarkably patient, you will only getting a fleeting look and a blurred photograph.  And when it comes to the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo, good luck with that one.  We know people who have been looking for this bird for 3 decades and still have not sighted this shy bird.

Overall, however, the numbers ----and species----are on your side.  Sanibel has a huge number of friendly winged creatures just waiting for your arrival!