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NORTH CAPTIVA WILDLIFE The abundant wildlife of North Captiva Island is a true reflection of its unspoiled environment. North Captiva Island and the Lee Island Coast were late bloomers, which is why so much of it remains pristine and undiscovered. The early discoverers recognized the region’s special qualities and had the foresight and wherewithal to preserve its treasures while developing the land into wildlife-compatible communities and resorts where residents and visitors could enjoy the abundant nature. Our area is one of the top bird watching areas of the world , whether summer or winter, birds from all over the North American continent find haven along the southwest coast of Florida and are evident at every turn. About 291 species of birds inhabit this area of the Florida Gulf coast. On North Captiva and surrounding islands, there is easy spotting of such feathery beauties as great egrets, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, majestic wood storks, ibis, brown pelicans, and big and little herons of every description and color. Birds of prey, such as red-shouldered hawks, bald eagles, and osprey are also here. In fact, ospreys nest “all over” NorthCaptivaIsland. Smaller species of woodpeckers, owls, wrens, and flycatchers may also be found among the subtropical trees and vegetation of the 700-acre wildlife refuge that covers almost one-half of North Captiva Island. This section of the Gulf coast and North Captiva is dotted with back-bay mangrove islands that provide a special haven for birds as well as multitudes of sea life. These islands contain quiet lagoons that harbor dolphin, and manatees, “our gentle giants.” Huge, slow moving manatees, averaging 13 feet long and weighing more than a ton, are one of nature’s most gentle and human-friendly creatures. Every year, May to October, 300-pound mama sea turtles lumber ashore by night to dig their nests above high tide lines along North Captiva and surrounding Gulf coast beaches. Also, the endangered gopher tortoise is commonly seen on North Captiva Island . Shells, as far as the eye can see. Our beaches are world famous for the variety of shells to be found. In fact, over 400 species can be found on our beaches. With a little effort you can find the exotics - tulips, olives, fragile paper fig shells and the junonia. The rare brown speckled junonia are also found here. Conches, welks, and sand dollars are seen everywhere.
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Call us before another sun sets. 1-800-472-7866, outside USA (001)239-472-2219 or contact us via email at carinharman@aol.com |
