“Paddle the calm waters to follow in the wake of the people of the Calusa tribes. Get inspired at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Take time to go fishing, shelling, birding or island hopping and fully appreciate this natural haven. Marvel at dolphins jumping in the rolling waves and pelicans diving in the surf for breakfast. Spot endangered West Indian manatees meandering through the mangrove-lined back bays and estuaries.” » Read more
Sanibel Island Photos
Friends, Old and New!
There’s always a chance to meet up with friends — old and new — at Ocean’s Reach!
Pictured is a group that was thrilled to reunite on the beach late last month. Looks like they didn’t mind the slightly blustery conditions one little bit! » Read more
Colors of the Wind
“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”
– Winston Churchill
Thanks to guest Judy W. from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, for the great photos! » Read more
Scenes from Sanibel #25
“Meet me where the sea touches the sky.”
Should you have any photos you’d like to share, please email them to [email protected].
Today’s Guest Photographer: Julie Puckett » Read more
Saturday Morning Bird Walks
The unmistakable American Oystercatcher. Photo by France Paulsen.
The secretive and hard-to-see Piping Plover. Photo by France Paulsen.
From the Santiva Chronicle:
At one end of the viewing spectrum sits the American Oystercatcher, unmistakable for its beauty and as easy to pick out as a Roseate Spoonbill. At the other end of the spectrum sits the Piping Plover. » Read more
Take a Look!
1st Place: Elliot D. for “Heron Her Own”
2nd Place: Mallory H. for “Who’s Watching Who?”
3rd Place: Sophia B. for “Silent Stepper”
Congratulations go out to the talented student photographers who took home top honors in this year’s Sanibel Middle School’s nature photography contest! » Read more
Hoo’s Here?
This amazing photo of an Eastern Screech Owl was taken right outside our Ocean’s Reach office by guest Susan N., from Mifflinberg, PA. She credits her son, Lynden, for sighting it first, saying that he is quite astute at spotting wildlife after his many visits to Sanibel!
The Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio) are one of the smallest species of owls naturally found in North America. » Read more
Under the Stars
The Alliance for the Arts is bringing the Stardust Memories Big Band to its amphitheater stage for an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
Coolers, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged as concert-goers enjoy some of the greatest hits of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and others.
The Stardust Memories Big Band is a professional 17-piece jazz ensemble led by Craig Christman. » Read more
What’s Your Name?
Paying Homage to the Gulf of Mexico
The collision between civilization and nature in the Gulf of Mexico becomes a uniquely American story in the environmental epic The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea by Jack E. Davis.
On Friday, Jan. 26, the author will be presenting two free programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., part of the 2018 “Ding” Darling Lecture Series at J.N. “Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. » Read more