Migrant-Hunting at the Sanibel Lighthouse

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The Sanibel Lighthouse is a well-known migrant trap, so Rich and I stopped there last week on our trip to Southwest Florida. We had just visited the Sanibel beaches, and I wanted to show Rich how the trees can sometimes be filled with bright and colorful migrant birds. But it wasn’t a great morning for migrants. We searched around and found a few, but it was nothing like the fun morning at Fort De Soto a few days earlier. Oh well, we’ll just have to try again next year!

Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warbler

This Yellow Warbler flitted across the path and into a tree in front of us. If you look closely, he has a little green insect in his mouth.

Painted Bunting Greenie
Painted Bunting Greenie

High up in the trees, I caught sight of some small movements. This bird was literally straight over my head. Thank goodness for my tripod as I aimed the Beast high up. It was a Painted Bunting “greenie”, enjoying a berry.

Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler

You’d think this yellow Prothonotary Warbler would be easy to spot, but he blended in really well to the vegetation. I only saw him because he moved. I think I’ve only photographed a Prothonotary once before, at the Circle B Bar Reserve during fall migration.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

This Red-bellied Woodpecker hopped into a nearby tree and looked at me. She was busy gathering food for the squawking babies that I could hear nearby. She reminded me that while migration was passing its peak time, the fun of Florida bird photography will continue as the local birds raise their babies over the next few months. :)


Want to learn more about nature photography at Sanibel Island?

Check out my Sanibel Island page with more information about the location, map, website, photography tips, etc. It is archived by date so you can see my images from previous visits. Maybe you'll be inspired for your own trip!

Planning a trip to Florida? Don't miss my Central Florida Bird Photography Locations reference guide!