neillaubenthal

The burrowing owls here as well. Venice Rookery although it’s a bit more than an hour nd it might be too early in the season for many nesters. Lots of other good places as well…but the hour limitation cuts the list down. Fort DeSoto SP also…but again it’s more than an hour.

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

J "Ding" Darling NWR on Sanibel Island. There is a fee to cross the causeway and a fee to enter the refuge. Well worth the trip. Try to schedule at low tide.

Judy795

Harns Marsh Nature Preserve
38th St. W
Fort Myers.

Babcock Ranch Preserve
Port Charlotte off I-75

marvkaye

Butterfly Estates in downtown Fort Myers on Fowler is a neat place to visit... and when you're done with the butterfly greenhouse you can grab a sandwich at the attached cafe or load up on some fudge <yum!>

APSHEPPARD

Wood storks gather at a Rookery near Venice. January is usually a good month for the wading birds in this part but things can be scarce. I spent three hours at Corkscrew Monday and saw two Ibis grand total--not even an alligator! But as January to March roll in the populations go up dramatically. You are also an easy drive to the Big Cypress Reserve and southern entrance to The Everglades both of which can be very productive.
Good luck!

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

Although it's closed on Friday's, it's open all the other days. Check their website for holiday closings. It's a 4 mile drive with lavatories at the 2 mile point and an observation tower at one of the best spots. There are also places you can bike or walk. Many are branches off the drivable part. Entrance fee unless you have a pass (such as to national parks, especially for "seniors").

There are other places on the island but that is the best. Expect substantial traffic delays on the causeway from the mainland to the island, depending to direction and time of day. The bridges of the causeway are still being reconstructed from the Hurricane Ian damage. You can check the City of Sanibel website for update on the construction.

Ding Darling usually needs the longest lens you can get your hands on. Just saying..

Highly recommended.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

Both of these comments are correct. There is no fee to exit the island but it's $6 to cross from the mainland.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

We are on Sanibel November thru April. Ding Darling is not what it was but on our recent drive through it we found quite a few species but fewer members. Still well worth it.

jjenk

Thank you all for your suggestions. They are very helpful.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Head to Sanibel, shoot the light house. Then head to ding Darling lots of birds, while at ding darling. Park on the right side of the road, just past the toll booth ( yes u gotta pay) There is a nice wide path behind the booth. Head maybe 1000 feet to the board walk on the left. always something to see there. Possibly gators, some times otters. Take the stairs up to the look out ..... back to your car, all the mud flats will k have birds. sometimes you can shoot fish as they jump ( some days lots jumping) . stop and go up in the observation tower . when you leave the park, go thru the gate.( secrets no one knows but residents) , if you turn right where the sign says no turns ( as long as no one is looking) stop at the little bridge, you may see manatees to shoot. get back on the road out. Turn right on Wulfert ( its last road before the main road) go to almost the end and look for parking on the right. There is a path that will take you to the water .... some days lots of birds some days none. enjoy the island....

jjenk

Thank you bdk. Great instructions.

Scubatwin Loc: North Fort Myers, FL

6 Mile Cypress Slough and Lakes Park. Both are in Ft Myers.

Scubatwin Loc: North Fort Myers, FL

Don’t miss Bunchee Beach for shore birds. Check the tide tables. Low tide is best!