Southwest Florida Birding: What To See and Where

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Southwest Florida is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Home to countless varieties of birds from shorebirds to wading birds, there’s no shortage of Southwest Florida birding opportunities. Southwest Florida makes up a section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, a 2,000-mile trail system with excellent birdwatching sites. Rotary Park, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Lakes Regional Park, Estero Bay Preserve State Park and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve are just a few of these Southwest Florida birding areas. J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge alone houses roughly 180 species of birds.

Whether you’re a professional or amateur birder, Southwest Florida’s natural habitats do not disappoint. From Cape Coral to Naples, you’ll find unique species not found anywhere else in the world. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the optimal birding conditions. Here’s what you’re likely to see throughout Southwest Florida’s ecosystem:

Southwest Florida’s Resident Birds

Roseate Spoonbill

Contrary to popular belief, the flamingo is not one of Southwest Florida’s resident birds. Southwest Florida tourists often confuse the roseate spoonbill, Southwest Florida’s resident pink bird, for the flamingo. Named for its flat, rounded beak, the spoonbill is of the most unique-looking wading birds. You can see them year-round during low tide at Lover’s Key, Rotary Park and J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl, the only owl to nest underground, is Cape Coral’s honorary mascot. The city hosts the densest population of these small, nocturnal birds. Burrowing owls are a “species of special concern,” so it is against federal law to disturb them while nesting.

White Ibis

Truly a resident bird, the white ibis can be seen grazing in flocks on residential front lawns. The white ibis is best known for its long, curved beak. To spot ibis in a natural setting, visit Ding Darling, Lover’s Key or Lakes Regional Park.

Wood stork

The wood stork is the only stork that breeds within the United States. Due to decades of conservation, these large white birds bumped up from endangered to the threatened species list. Walk the scenic boardwalk at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve for a chance to see a wood stork wading in the mangrove marsh.

Anhinga

Known as the “snakebird,” the anhinga swims with its head and neck above water, resembling the motion a black snake. When hunting, the anhinga dives under water and spears fish with its sharp beak. You can witness an anhinga’s unique habits at Lakes Regional Park.

White pelican

The white pelican only frequents Southwest Florida in the winter months. White pelicans are shier than their brown pelican relatives, so they usually steer clear of humans. They’re often found at J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge and on the beaches of Sanibel Island.

Snowbird

Snowbirds aren’t birds – they’re people! Just like the white pelican, some Florida residents only stay seasonally. Snowbirds travel south for warm winters and return north after the cold dissipates. This lifestyle suits retirees who want to live in temperate climates year-round.

 

Live Among the Birds

Do you want to share a home with these unique Southwest Florida birds? Make your move to Cape Coral to live alongside burrowing owls or retire to Sanibel Island, where pelicans are part of your backyard scenery. No matter where you choose to live in Southwest Florida, the birding opportunities are abundant. To learn more about available SWFL properties, contact Kim Arasimowicz of Schooner Bay Realty at 239-214-1039.