Sarasota is a wildlife paradise all year round, including over our cooler winter months. If you are a birdwatching fanatic, you are in for a treat, as many exotic species are known to frequent the area. If you have decided to visit us throughout the winter season, these are the birds you may encounter.
Seasonal Sarasota Birdwatching
Temperatures begin to cool off in November- and although it is not officially winter yet, the painted bunting arrives and is worth a mention. The Painted Bunting is a colorful bird colored with distinctive bright blue, red, and green hues. They are exciting to see and beautiful to photograph. In recent years, the Sarasota Audobon Nature Center has reported frequent sightings.
There are over 26 species of sparrow, and the Swamp Sparrow is the one that likes to visit the Sarasota area during the winter months. This bird is recognizable by its characteristic gray face and nape. You’ll see the bird searching for insects and invertebrates in open areas, notably at Celery Fields.
Winter is also an excellent time to see bald eagles, which lay eggs around Thanksgiving and hatch in late December. The adults stay with their young eaglets until they are fledgling around the May/June timeframe. The bald eagle is no longer considered an endangered species, although it remains a rare treat to get a close of view of these majestic birds. Experts recommend watching established eagles’ nests to catch a glimpse of parents coming and going and young ones looking for food.
During the winter months, many birds arrive in Sarasota from more northern regions, including many duck species. One variety that delights birdwatchers is the Green-Winged Teal, the smallest dabbling duck in North America. The bird is not as frequently sighted as its blue-winged relative, making it fun to spot. It is recognizable for the green crescent extending from its eye to the back of its head.
Winter Migratory Birds
Approximately 50 million migratory birds visit Florida each winter, seeking warmth and food in the state’s rich ecological habitats that range from wetlands to beaches. Here are some migratory birds you can expect to see in the Sarasota area during these cooler months.
Florida’s wetlands and mangrove forests are vital for many migratory birds, providing food, nesting spots, and safety from predators. Wetlands may include marshes, swamps, and estuaries with rich biodiversity and plenty of sustenance for visiting birds. These areas can be explored by kayak for a close-up view of Roseate Spoonbills, Northern Pintails, Canvasbacks, and Great Egrets. Mangrove ecosystems are made up of salt-tolerant trees that offer dense shelter and feeding grounds for the Black Crowned Night Heron.
Sarasota’s coastal regions and expansive sandy beaches represent crucial ecosystems for migratory birds, offering ideal settings for birds to rest along their journey. The bays, lagoons, and estuaries are filled with marine life for the Black-bellied Plover and Least Tern to feed on, while beaches and tide pools provide necessary foraging opportunities for shorebirds such as the Sanderling, Marbled Godwit, Red-shouldered Hawk and Piping Plover.
Birdwatching by Bike or Kayak
The key to bird watching in the Siesta Key area is getting up close and personal. The good news is that Ride and Paddle makes it easy to find quiet places and nesting areas – whether you want to explore by bike or on the water. Both kayaking and paddle boarding represent wonderful ways to immerse yourself in nature, allowing visitors to discover birds and marine life from a unique vantage point.
Ride and Paddle provides quality rentals of kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles. We also offer guided tours for those looking for a lesson in nature and Sarasota local history.
