Fort Myers after Ian

Barbara Seith
Feb 20, 2023
2 min read

Normally the highlights would be Sanibel Island, Ding Darling and Corkscrew Swamp, but after a few boots on the ground reports from friends, the plans changed. I still managed to get most of the birds I was hoping for.

Marco Island – Tiger Tail Beach – The beaches in Florida all seem a long way away from where you can park. Tiger Tail is no exception. You can park about .2 miles from the lagoon, but you have to walk around the Lagoon to get to the beach – I would estimate that is .5 miles to get there, then you have to come back. Too much walking in the sand for me. Luckily, I had a Reddish Egret in the Lagoon and Magnificent Frigatebirds flying over the parking lot. So I can’t complain, but I don’t think I will be going to Marco Island to bird again. Not a lot of easy shore access.

Northern Mockingbird

Fiddler Crab

Magnificent Frigatebird

https://ebird.org/checklist/S128027584

Naples Neighborhoods – Rose-ringed Parakeets had been reported pretty consistently for a few weeks. I broke one of my rules (always evaluate WHEN people are seeing the birds) – I was there first thing in the morning and then realized it was always seen after 3:30pm – so I did other birding until it was time – Ironically, I saw them at the last place I went trying to kill time.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S128028353

https://ebird.org/checklist/S128029507

Sugden Regional Park – A public park with a good pond and lots of Ducks, Coots & such. First heard and then saw the Rose-ringed Parakeets by the Amphitheatre. There is a path all the way around the pond, but I did not walk it. The checklists are pretty diverse this time of year. Worth checking out for the Ducks & feeders. It is not far from the Naples Neighborhoods where the Parakeets had been reported.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S128029301

Harns Marsh – I was told it was a walk, but it turned out to be fabulous right from the parking lot and its FREE! No restrooms! My most desired bird here was a Snail Kite. I saw one within 5 minutes of arrival and one came later and put on a show. Lots of great fun birds, close and easy to photograph from the car. See for yourself.

Limpkin