Originally Posted by
John Hawkins
You are lucky to be staying at a premier resort in SW FL. It is right on the Gulf of Mexico and has nice beaches with opportunities for shorebirds. I have even walked the golf course in the very early morning and seen herons, egrets, gulls, buzzards, marsh rabbits, turtles and gators. Also in the marina I have seen Manatees. Down the road a bit you can visit JN "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge. One of the best birding places around. The pier near the Sanibel Lighthouse is also a good place.