Birds of Sanibel Island

Destination: Sanibel Island, Lee County

Paddle Trip: Commodore Creek at Tarpon Bay

Life is for the birds

Sanibel Island is known for many things; beautiful beaches, world-famous shelling, artsy shops, quality restaurants, hot paddling destinations and one of the top bird watching spots in the nation. The mangrove environments of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Tarpon Bay provide birders of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to spot large numbers of Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, Osprey, Pelican, Anhingas, Cormorants and varieties of Heron and Egrets.

Approximately 238 different bird species have been identified living in or migrating through the wildlife refuge, which provides an ideal habitat for water bird nesting and feeding. Two of the biggest draws are the year-round Rosette Spoonbills and the White Pelicans which can be seen on large ponds during the winter. The best time to see birds tends to be early morning hours, especially when it coincides with low tide.

We've tried to identify a few of the birds spotted along Commodore Creek. If we got a species wrong, please email us with corrections. Thank you!

	Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaja The Roseate Spoonbill is one of Florida's most colorful birds and is occasionally confused with Flamingos (which are extremely rare in the wild). Main attraction at J.N. "Ding" Darling N.W.R. Adult height is 32".
	Little Blue Heron (immature) Egretta caerulea The Little Blue Heron begins life as a white bird, later changing to a blue-purple. This common bird is frequently found in salt and freshwater mudflats and marshes. Adult height is 27".
	Little Blue Heron (adult) Egretta caerulea The adult Little Blue Heron has a slate-blue body and wings with dark purple head and neck.
	Reddish Egret Egretta rufrscens The uncommom Reddish Egret can be found in either white or slate-blue colors. These birds do not change color with age (like the Little Blue Heron), but stay the same color throughout their life span. Adult height is 30".
	Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea The shy Yellow-Crowned Night Heron is frequently seen in salt marshes, mangroves and swamps. It primarily feeds at night on crabs and other aquatic invertebrates. Adult height is 26".
	Laughing Gull Larus atricilla This common gull can be found on almost all Florida beaches and some inland waterways. This bird changes from a white head and black bill in winter to a black head and red bill in summer. Adult length is 17".
	Osprey Pandion haliaetus This large fish-eating member of the hawk and eagle family can be found along coastal estuaries, rivers and lakes throughout Florida. It is frequently confused with the Bald Eagle due to it's white head. Adult length is 23".

Reference

Alden, P., Cech, R., Nelson, G. (1998) National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida, Chanticleer Press, Inc., New York, NY