Sanibel Island - Where and Advice
Feb 16, 2021 14:38:49 #
Rae Zimmerman
Loc: Pine Island, FL
Part of Ding Darling, but not adjacent to it, is the Bailey Tract. Good birding there. If you decide to head to Cape Coral for the burrowing owls, you might also visit the 6 Mile Cypress Slough in Fort Myers. I've seen wild boar, gators, and many snakes and frogs there, along with a great assortment of birds. For my money, 6 Mile Cypress Slough is more interesting and photogenic than the Audobon Bird sanctuary in Collier Co.
Feb 16, 2021 14:39:49 #
If you have a D5 and a 300 2.8, when will you use it if you don’t in Sanibel? Especially if you are driving. I am eternally guilty of taking too much stuff and swear that I won’t, but alas, being there and not having what I want, when I want it, knowing that it’s at home safe and sound, drives me crazy. You might not need it when you are there, but what if you do a d you did not take it? Sorry to possibly add confusion to your decision.
Feb 16, 2021 14:50:38 #
BassmanBruce wrote:
A national park pass will get you onto the wildlife loop without admission fee.
Handy if you go numerous times.
Handy if you go numerous times.
You can buy the pass at the J Ding Darling Visitor Center. You can now purchase a $20 Annual Senior Pass if you are 62 or older. The Annual Pass is good for one full year from the date of purchase. You can also purchase a $80 Lifetime Senior Pass. The Lifetime Pass does not need to be renewed. It costs $10 per vehicle to go through the wildlife drive. Just as an aside, I purchased my Lifetime Pass in 1997. It was $10 then.
Feb 16, 2021 15:05:08 #
While i will also recommend the D500 with the 200-500, I will share one instance at Ding Darling in which that combo did not work. At the last of the good birding spots along the loop is a 3-level observation tower. That day, an Osprey had taken a fish to a railing on the third level, and was slowly picking it apart, totally ignoring the crowd of human bystanders. I had my 200-500 that day, and got up to the third level, but I couldn’t back up far enough on the observation deck to get a full body shot of the Osprey! I had to settle for some great profiles. Barring that unusual circumstance, your 200-500 should be fine.
Finally, one other site I go to regularly in Fort Myers is Lakes Park. It has a nice variety of birds, most of whom are used to humans and not skittish. As noted above, Six Mile Cypress Slough is also great, and is particularly beautiful early in the morning.
Finally, one other site I go to regularly in Fort Myers is Lakes Park. It has a nice variety of birds, most of whom are used to humans and not skittish. As noted above, Six Mile Cypress Slough is also great, and is particularly beautiful early in the morning.
Feb 16, 2021 15:06:43 #
The photo opportunities are numerous in J Ding Darling. Low tide is the best time to go. Aside from the wildlife, the sunsets are normally fabulous. Periwinkle Park & Campground is a well kept secret. It is a bird lovers paradise. It features many species of exotic and native birds including toucans and macaws. You do not have to be a camper to visit. It is located at 1119 Periwinkle Way. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a must visit as well. It is located at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd. The Sanibel lighthouse presents even more photo opportunities. Don't miss the Historic Sanibel Village. You can spend the better part of a day there.
https://sanibelmuseum.org/
My wife and vacationed at Sanibel for two weeks every year for over 22 years.
https://sanibelmuseum.org/
My wife and vacationed at Sanibel for two weeks every year for over 22 years.
Feb 16, 2021 15:22:20 #
Indigo Trail is THE spot for birds most days or Pondapple trail.
IF you are interested I do photowalks , most saturday mornings in Sanibel. We have beginners to professionals on the walk.
We start usually at Pond Apple trail, then move to Ding INdigo Trail, then drive thru the preserve and if we are still going strong we go to Bailey Tract. If we have any hot tips wemay go to that sport first.
Your invited contact me here and I'll give you a way to contact me.
This pic was from this morning in Ding. I am told its a northern Gannet , also told its very rare in Ding
IF you are interested I do photowalks , most saturday mornings in Sanibel. We have beginners to professionals on the walk.
We start usually at Pond Apple trail, then move to Ding INdigo Trail, then drive thru the preserve and if we are still going strong we go to Bailey Tract. If we have any hot tips wemay go to that sport first.
Your invited contact me here and I'll give you a way to contact me.
This pic was from this morning in Ding. I am told its a northern Gannet , also told its very rare in Ding
Feb 16, 2021 16:26:10 #
Stan Wieg wrote:
Randy Wayne White has written a bunch of thrillers about a marine biologist that lives near Sanibel and moonlights as a secret agent. Doc Ford is the series; there is often a wildlife plot device. Good read before you go.
I wholeheartedly agree! Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series are great.
Feb 16, 2021 18:06:21 #
Tom70
Loc: NY
Will be in St Petersberg in May, Shooting (with camera) Birds takes up the bulk of my time so interested in a Sanibel Photo Walk, lets talk
Feb 16, 2021 19:44:34 #
bdk wrote:
Indigo Trail is THE spot for birds most days or Po... (show quote)
An impressive subject which, to me, looks like it's not sure if it wants to be a bird - or something reptilian
Feb 16, 2021 19:52:27 #
a6k
Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
DaveO wrote:
Go next door to Cape Coral and catch the Burrowing Owls. Google will lead you to a couple easy to find spots.
There is also a paid guide for that. They are not as easy to find as we had hoped and only certain times of day are best (early and late; owls, right?).
Feb 16, 2021 19:53:02 #
a6k
Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
Les Brown wrote:
I wholeheartedly agree! Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series are great.
Don't miss Doc Ford's restaurant which he owns.
Feb 16, 2021 20:17:38 #
MaxxtheDog
Loc: Milwaukee, WI
That would be fantastic as I'm always looking for photo help and advice. Unfortunately we are only there from Sunday to Friday.
bdk wrote:
Indigo Trail is THE spot for birds most days or Po... (show quote)
Feb 16, 2021 20:34:02 #
bdk wrote:
Indigo Trail is THE spot for birds most days or Po... (show quote)
Looks like a juvenile Northern Gannet to me!
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