Fort Myers Beach is a major avian haven. Bird enthusiasts of all types clamor to come to the beaches during peak migratory seasons. There is a rich population of varied and even rare local birds that cover the beaches of Fort Myers year-round.
These birds make Fort Myers Beach a key location for spotters, bird aficionados, photographers, and even ornithologists (scientists who study birds).
Perhaps most importantly, Fort Myers Beach is one of the greatest places to see for families who just want to see the flying wildlife in action. Below are the five local birds you are most likely to see gliding over the grasses of Fort Myers Beach.
1. Roseate Spoonbill
At a quick glimpse, you might be unable to differentiate the Roseate Spoonbill from the flamingo. The flamingo’s thin elegance is somewhat lost in the thick bill and surprisingly big wingspan of these water sweepers. They soar right above the shallow water, with their flat bills out, on the hunt for insects and frogs floating out upon the surface.
The defining trait of these gorgeous birds is their bright red eyes. They seem to pierce right through you. When you combine the red glow of their eyes with their absurdly bright pink coloration, you got quite a special bird.
2. The Yellow-Crooned Night-Heron
The Night-Heron may not look like a lot at first glance, but these gray and blue mid-sized birds are defined by a bright yellow growth on the top of their beak. Possibly their most bizarre trait is where they decide to nest. Night-Herons are known to nest by alligator homes, using the alligators as their own personal bodyguards. The hatchlings are often protected from more direct predators, such as raccoons.
The Yellow-Crowned is a cousin of the Black-Crowned Night-Heron, which is a rare subset of the bird generally only found at night.
3. Reddish Egret
The most fascinating trait of the Reddish Egret is their dizzying and dastardly feeding strategy. These large birds will delicately float atop the water and spread their wings out to create an umbrella of shade during the peak heat of the day. Fish are attracted to the new shade made by the wings, ultimately falling prey to the Egrets mistaken kindness.
It is fascinating to catch the Reddish Egret on the hunt, dancing atop the waters as it finds its place to stake out and hunt.
4. Anhinga
You may think you see a turtle, snake, or even a gator coasting along the surface of the water. But after a closer inspection, you may be spotting the mischievous yet gorgeous Anhinga. The Anhinga is a large bird, with soft gray and white across its wide back. The Anhinga specializes in hunting just below the surface by soaring the waters, with its head exposed at the surface. It snakes the surface on the hunt for insects, small fish, and more.
5. The White Pelican
The White Pelican is a cherished local bird. The famous White Pelican is defined by its pure white coloration and its massive weight and size. The bird is considered one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. It escapes the northern winter and spends much of the season by the coast of Fort Myers Beach and along the gulf side of the state. When its wings are spread out, you can spot black feathers. The contrast gives the bird a very bold and rich look that you definitely don’t want to miss out on. Try to follow the actions of the pelican if you spot one, watching them hunt for prey by water and land.
Look out for flamingos, as well as any of the other 250 species of bird wildlife that call Fort Myers Beach home. If you find the right Fort Myers Beach vacation home, you can spot the above birds right from your intimate outdoor patio deck. We have a wide selection of vacation rentals that allow you access to private stretches of beach and nearby parks and preserves for your own exciting wildlife expedition.
