If you are planning a vacation to the Sanibel and Captiva, chances are you are an avid bird watcher. While many folks will choose to go to the Ding Darling refuge, a reserve abundant with bald eagles, there is so much more one can get out of their ventures in bird watching in areas like Center Tract, Bailey Tract, Sanibel Gardens Preserve, and so much more!
In this article, we will be outlining some tips for bird watching that you may not have been aware of prior to your trip out to Sanibel and Captiva. Birds hover and thrive all throughout the Captiva Island real estate. It’s just a matter of finding the right places.
Best Birdwatching Locations
A general rule when birdwatching is to avoid the wide open gulf and beachside. You will not find many birds sunning in the open sands and waters. Instead, you should often try to find hiking trails as they not only supply great viewpoints for watching, but they are also ample in thick foliage and flora. The thick brush is more desirable for the birds in the area. Sanibel Island homes for sale with thick foliage and dense landscaping will attract local and even rare birds.
The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is filled with dike formations. These are abundant feeding grounds to wading birds and waterfowl alike for bird waters alike to feast their eyes upon. The Sanibel Gardens Preserve is also an excellent choice for bird watching as Red Bellied Woodpeckers and Gray Kingbirds are plentiful in this area. If you’re in the region of the Disney Wilderness, prepare to see Wild Turkeys, Storks, Swallows, and many more. These preserves with their rich foliage and developed ecosystems make for a great time for bird watching.
Plan Your Stay
It just goes to show that no matter what your interests are, Sanibel and Captiva are great vacation destinations for whatever you’re into. And while you are at it, explore the available Sanibel Island real estate. You may find a new future with our Captiva Island homes for sales.
Dress and Clothing
Viewpoints and location alone will not always guarantee success for bird watching. Dressing for success can be a proponent in seeing as much as you can while you are out there. For one, avoid forms of bright clothing while you’re out on your search. While most beach attire is colorful in nature, bright clothes and whites often contrast with the surrounding environments resulting in what looks like moving from a bird’s perspective.
When trying to be quiet and moving as little as possible, loud colored clothing will guarantee that you won’t stand a chance to see any birds. You’re better off with earth tones and darker clothing that helps you blend into your environment. If you don’t think ahead of time how to dress, you won’t stand a chance of catching sight of any of these animals.
It is often easier said than done, but it helps to keep as still as possible when bird watching. This means avoiding sudden movements as much as one can and being as quiet as one can be. Any sudden movements, like moving binoculars up to your eyes, can result in nervous birds flying away. The closer you can get to a flock of birds, the quieter and less mobile you should be. This is particularly with local birds, such as the snowy and great egrets, who walk along the edges of the water. With these careful wanderers, you will want to refrain from as much movement as possible. The key to the game is to be as patient as you can, and let the birds come to you.
You’re on vacation after all, so take your time!
Sanibel and Captiva Island are a bird watcher’s paradise. Whether it is early in the day, or late at night, you really cannot go wrong with catching glimpses of some magnificent birds on many trails and sites available to you.