Sandpipers at Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, Florida is one of the most popular bird-watching sites in the whole America. It has long been considered as an ornithological nature, hosting approximately 240 species of feathered friends. Well, due to Sanibel’s ecology-minded population, more than half of the island’s area has been preserved as a wildlife habitat, the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. But, in addition to Ding Darling, you’ll also find endless trails and birding spots in Sanibel.

Now, if you are a birder and your main interest are the sandpipers at Sanibel Island, then I bet you would be happy to know that the sheer volume of sandpipers at Sanibel Island will astound you. They are in fact a much noticed and highly appreciated part of the island life. So as a birder, you will really enjoy being in Sanibel, a place that is so bird-conscious.

The sandpipers at Sanibel Island usually appear and scurry along the surf’s edge especially during winter. It’s no wonder then that each winter in Sanibel droves of photographers from around the world for the sandpipers at Sanibel Island. These birds in Sanibel are more approachable than most other places on earth, and they are also common in Sanibel because the weather is mild, while much of the rest of the northern hemisphere is in a deep freeze. This condition is what also makes Sanibel great for winter bird photography.

But where can you find sandpipers at Sanibel Island?

As I’ve said earlier, Sanibel Island is one of the favorite birding places on earth as birds of different species can be found anywhere, from the beaches, to the roads, and to the island’s preserves. However, there are particular bird watching sites that are deemed favorites by many. One of those is the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where tens of sandpipers at Sanibel Island can be seen. Also included in the list are the Wildlife Drive, Indigo Trail, and the Shell Mound Trail.

The sandpipers at Sanibel Island can also be seen at the Bailey Tract on Rabbit road. Then, there is the many Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation or SCCF properties where you can see beautiful sandpipers at Sanibel Island. The causeway islands approaching Sanibel from the mainland is another great bird watching site to visit, as well as the all gulf beaches on both Sanibel and its little sister, Captiva Island.

If you wish to enjoy kayaking or canoeing, but at the same time find species of sandpipers at Sanibel Island, then the mangrove islands of Pine Island Sound is worth visiting. Offshore, aside from sandpipers at Sanibel Island, white pelicans can also be found, particularly in the Pine Island Sound. The white pelicans and sandpipers are both visible by boat, offshore. In addition, you can find sandpipers at the Tarpon Bay on Sanibel, along the bayous and Back Bay waters, along Roosevelt Channel on Captiva Island, the lighthouse area, and even on all local golf courses in Sanibel Island.

With all those great places to visit, observant birders looking for beautiful sandpipers at Sanibel Island will no doubt see opportunity at every turn. And, because so much of Sanibel is protected, the island is really a haven for feathered residents.

Sanibel Island Week
I have looked through my reference photos of Sanibel and I have chosen some images that I feel represent the island. Today's painting is a sandpiper I photographed at Bowman's Beach. At least as far as I can tell he is a sandpiper of ...