Anna Maria Island is a great destination for bird enthusiast due to its diverse habitats. Beaches, wetlands, mangroves, and wildlife preserves provide an ideal setting for a wide variety of birds.
Some shoreline birds like to feed at high tide while others at low tide. This makes almost any time during the day a perfect opportunity for bird watching by the shores of Anna Maria Island.
The 125th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Anna Maria Island was completed on December 29, 2024. Counters recorded sighting 655 individual birds. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch is also involved in monitoring shoreline birds.
This post will explore some of Anna Maria Island’s most notable birds, some of the best bird-watching spots on the island, tips for successful birdwatching, and a birdwatching tour on the island.
Contents
Anhinga
Appearance
- long thin neck
- pointed yellow beak
- dark wings with silver patches
Behavior
- stalk fish underwater
- solitary when feeding
- silent at most times
Diet
- small fish
- crustaceans
Location
- in the water
- along the shore
Cormorant
Appearance
- sleek black plumage
- distinctive double crest
- slender hooked bill
Behavior
- skilled diver
- quick swimmer
- roosts on sandbars and offshore rocks
Diet
- fish
Location
- mangroves
- along the shore
- in the water
Egret
Appearance
- bright white feathers
- long black legs
- yellow feet
Behavior
- solitary
- elaborate courtship rituals
Diet
- fish
- crustaceans
- insects
- amphibians
- retiles
Location
- shoreline
- Rod and Reel Pier
Heron
Appearance
- long legs
- long neck
- pointed beak
- white face
- blue-gray plumage
Behavior
- stalk the shallow waters
- solitary hunters
- “stalk-and-strike” hunting method
Diet
- fish
- crustaceans
- amphibians
- reptiles
- insects
Location
- often seen at sunset
- Coquina Beach
Ibis
Appearance
- red legs
- red bill
- patch of red skin around the eyes
- football shaped body
Behavior
- forage in groups
- social
- relatively quiet
Diet
- crustaceans
- insects
- fish
- frogs
- snakes
Location
- beach
- wetlands
Nanday Parakeet
Appearance
- bright green
- small
- black facial mask
- black trailing flight feathers on wings
- long tail edged in blue
- hints of blue on chest, wings, and tail
- red thighs
Behavior
- social
- loud
- mischievous
- playful
- communal
Diet
- seeds
- fruits
- palm nuts
- berries
- flowers
Location
- north End
- sitting on electrical wires
- flitting about
- palm tree trunks
Osprey
Appearance
- sharp talons
- brown wings
- white head, legs, and underbelly
- black hooked beak
Behavior
- hunters
- dive from sky to catch fish
Diet
- fish
Location
- nesting in trees
- atop platforms
Pelican
Appearance
- long, thick bill with an expandable pouch at the base for holding food
- short, orange legs
- big webbed feet
Behavior
- impressive diving and fishing abilities
- impressive soaring flight
Diet
- variety of fish
- crabs
Location
- docks
- piers
- beach
Roseate Spoonbill
Appearance
- vibrant pink plumage
- spoon-shaped bill
- pale green head
- bright red shoulder patch
- white neck and head
Behavior
- social
- feed, roost, and fly in formation
Diet
- Crustaceans
- small fish
- insects
Location
- Robinson Preserve
- Neal Preserve
Sandpiper
Appearance
- white or cream underbelly
- small shorebird
- long legs
- long bill
Behavior
- probe sand for food
- teetering gait
- bobbing tails
Diet
- insects
- crustaceans
- small mollusk
Location
- Bean Point
- Coquina Beach Baywalk
- Robinson Preserve
- beach
Seagull
Appearance
- long wings
- white underbelly
Behavior
- graceful
- acrobatic
- take food out of human hands
- call sounds like a laugh
- skims lower bill in the water until it snatches a fish
Diet
- fish
- invertebrates
- rodents
- reptiles
- amphibians
- seeds
- fruit
- almost anything a human is eating
Location
- beach
- bay
- Coquina Beach Baywalk
- Bean Point
Tern
Appearance
- small and slim
- narrow wingspan
- slender bill
- black cap
Behavior
- jerky wingbeats
- courtship is an elaborate ritual
- dive into the water to catch small fish
Diet
- small fish
- crustaceans
- insects
Location
- Bradenton Beach near the 27th Street North beach access
- near dunes
Majestic Avian Photos provided by Amber Barth
Hi! I’m Amber, a local nature photographer. I love sharing the beauty of our little paradise with you! If you would like a piece of AMI in you home, you can purchase my photography here: https://amiphotos.etsy.com
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Bird Watching Spots
Beaches
Anna Maria Island beaches are a prefect place for birdwatching. They offer diverse bird species including shorebirds, wading birds, and seabirds.
Bean Point Preserve
Bean Point is located on the northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island. This preserve is a popular spot for bird watching and offers views of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
Grassy Point Preserve
Grassy Point is located in Holmes Beach across the street from the Walgreens. This preserve has shell and boardwalk trails leading to bay views.
Leffis Key Preserve
Leffis Key Preserve is a hidden treasure located on AMI. A trail up to a small 26-foot high hill delivers a great view of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Meander through the 30 acres of mangrove forests and wetlands.
Neal Preserve
Neal Preserve is located just one mile off the island, this 120 acre coastal habitat boasts mangrove forests. Climb the 20 foot observation tower after winding through trails and boardwalks. This vantage point is great for birdwatching.
Perico Perserve
Perico Preserve is located on Perico Island in Bradenton. The 176-acre preserve was abandoned farmland in 2007 and transformed back to original wetlands habitat with scrub hills and fresh and saltwater marshes. This is a great spot for birdwatching.
Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve is located on the northwest side of Bradenton and offers 682 acres to explore. There is a 40 foot tall observation tower with a bird’s eye view. Robinson Preserve Trail Map here.
Tips for Successful Bird Watching
Essential Gear
Birdwatching on Anna Maria Island requires essential gear such as binoculars, a field guide, comfortable clothing and shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray. In addition, for a good birdwatching experience do not forget to check the weather conditions.
81°F
Birdwatching Etiquette
By adhering to a few rules, you can contribute to the preservation of birds and their ecosystems:
- be aware of surroundings
- keep a safe distance
- stay on designated trails
- adhere to preserve rules
- minimize noise
- leave no trace
- do not feed the birds
- wear neutral clothing
- keep phones on silent
- practice patience
Photography Tips
Patience! Birdwatching is a pastime not a sport. Being patient allows you to capture authentic photos of these Anna Maria Island birds. In addition, using the right bird photography techniques including camera settings, lighting conditions, and composition techniques will enhance your avian photos.
Bird Watching Tours
AMI Bird Nerd Nature Tours offers a birdwatching tour providing a unique opportunity to learn about local birds through free mobile apps with tips and instructions. In addition, they rent binoculars for a closer look at Anna Maria Island’s birds. A portion of their profits is donated to local wildlife conservation efforts
Until next time…
· izzy
Anna Maria Island (AMI) is a slice of paradise! Besides its stunning beaches and turquoise clear waters, AMI delivers a delightful jolt of Joe. The coffee culture on AMI is just as inviting as its beaches and stunning sunsets. Each cafe offers a unique blend of flavors and ambiance for your morning caffeine boost on AMI.
This coffee guide spills the beans on the island coffee vibe.
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, pregnancy, reunion, proposal, senior year, or simply want a remembrance of your time on the island, many photographers offer personalized sessions. Each of the following professionals cater to different styles and locations on Anna Maria Island.
Book your session and create unforgettable images.
Anna Maria Island is a cyclist’s paradise. The island’s flat terrain and well-maintained bike paths make it an ideal location for bikers of all skill levels.
Exploring Anna Maria Island on a bike is a fun and adventurous way to get around. The island is loaded with natural wonders, lush nature preserves, and numerous bike paths.
Below is information about biking on and near Anna Maria Island, as well as information about Anna Maria Island bike rental shops.
The white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Anna Maria Island provide the perfect environment for yoga. Incorporating yoga into your AMI vacation can enhance mental clarity and calmness and center attention.
Whether a seasoned yogi or just getting started on your yoga journey, AMI offers a variety of yoga studios and wellness centers. Practice and become part of the island yoga tribe.
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