The Binocular Site
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island provides a tropical dream of soft white sand, swaying palms, and crystal blue water, making it a favorite spot for golf, tennis, and dolphin watching.
This Florida treasure supports many birds including Roseate Spoonbills, Bald Eagles, and a wealth of Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, Terns, Sandpipers, and Gulls.
A nature preserve is found here, including the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to over 238 species, and provides bird watching spots along several paths, canoe trails, and scenic drives.
Each October Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge celebrates with their mascot – Puddles the Blue Goose. Kayak tours, cruises, deck talks, birdwatching tours, beach walks, tram rides, and a great range of other educational programs make October an exciting month at Sanibel Island.
Great Blue Herons, Brown Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibises, Snowy Egrets, and Ospreys are some of the most prolific birds here. Also look for Plovers, Storks, Cormorants, Grebes, Loons, and Sandpipers.
Be sure to visit Sanibel Island's Bailey Tract, Center Tract, and Sanibel Gardens Preserve, managed by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
The official Florida state bird is the Northern Mockingbird and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Florida here.
Photo credit to blakespot, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the attractions and recreation available at Sanibel Island specifically for birders and see a collection of photos of the area here.
If you've visited Sanibel Island, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Florida birding location below.
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