Sanderling Calidris alba The sanderling is just one of many sandpipers found on Siesta Key’s three public beaches. Of all the migratory snowbirds that winter on the Key, the sanderling has one of the most grueling commutes. At just seven Read More
Anhinga • Anhinga anhinga Nicknamed the snakebird in many parts of the world, the anhinga’s long, slender head and neck certainly give that impression while slithering just below the water’s surface. Its bill resembles a lethal dagger and the anhinga Read More
White Ibis Eudocimus albus The ibis is one of the many long-legged wading birds you will see around Siesta Key’s beaches, mangrove islets, and interior wetland areas. This eye-catching juvenile ibis sports orangey pink legs and bill whereas a mature Read More
Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus This sociable shorebird flaunts stunning aquamarine eyes set in vibrant contrast with yellow-orange skin around its mouth. The cormorant’s inky coloring resembles that of a stealth bomber; a sleek profile makes it a rather effective fisherman Read More
Limpkin • Aramus guarauna The limpkin, a tropical wetland bird, is one of Siesta Key’s year-round natives. The bird’s unusual name comes from the European explorers who first noticed its uneven gait as it hurried away. Long legs and a Read More
Platalea ajaja Thanks to its bright pink plumage, the spoonbill might be mistaken for a short, odd-looking flamingo from a distance. However, that’s where the similarity ends. The spoonbill is a full-time resident of South Florida’s coastal areas, like Siesta Read More
Snowy plovers still making nesting attempts on Siesta Key In her June 7 update about the snowy plovers on Siesta Key, Kylie Wilson, coordinator of Audubon Florida’s Bird Monitoring & Stewardship program in the county, wrote about stormy conditions on Read More
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus This flamboyant shorebird is noteworthy for its bright pink legs, crimson red eyes, and tuxedo like plumage. Of all birds, the stilt has the second longest legs in proportion to body size—second only to the flamingo. Read More
Brown Pelican Pelicanus occidentalis Known for its distinctive pouched bill and portly stance, the brown pelican is one of Florida’s largest seabirds. With a span of 6 to 8 feet, powerful wings propel the pelican as high as 60 feet Read More
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) A distinctive long, slender orange bill makes the royal tern one of the more colorful characters you will encounter at Siesta Key’s three public beaches. Colonies of these social coastal dwellers call Crescent Beach home Read More
