Bird Watching on Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Wildlife, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 10/03/201906/22/2026Bird Watching on Marco Island, Burrowing Owls on Marco Island, Marco Island Birds, Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbill

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Key Takeaways

Bird watching on Marco Island features species like ospreys, pelicans, and burrowing owls, making it a rewarding experience.
The Great Florida Birding Trail includes Tigertail Beach Park and other nearby locations ideal for bird enthusiasts.
The snowy egret and great blue heron are common sights on Marco Island’s beaches, offering great photo opportunities.
Visitors can observe nesting least terns and black skimmers during their breeding seasons along the coast.
Sea Mar Condo provides a perfect base for bird watching on Marco Island, with easy access to eco tours and scenic views.

Bird Watching on Marco Island

Marco Island’s beautiful birds are one of the island’s greatest assets. Bird watching on Marco Island is especially rewarding. There are many species native to the island.

I photographed this osprey posing on Tigertail Beach. These majestic birds are not normally people friendly. However, this one seems to enjoy the attention!! If you are like me, it is special to capture a beautiful photo. What a precious vacation memory! This osprey’s picture is in Sea Mar Condo for our guests to enjoy!

There are many birds which are native to Marco Island and the southern Florida area. Birds that are common on Marco Island include the white egret, osprey, pelican, bald eagle and burrowing owl.

The Great Florida Birding Trail

Tigertail Beach Park is located on the Great Florida Birding Trail. It is a nice place to see and photograph many species of birds. There are also other bird watching sites around Marco Island. They include Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Briggs Nature Center. Frank E. Mackle Jr. Park, Eagle Lakes Park and Sugden Regional Park are also good. It is a short 40 minute drive to Big Cypress Welcome Center. Turner Loop Road near Everglades City is also a great birding site.

Burrowing Owls on Marco Island

Marco Island has been recognized by the Audubon Society for their efforts to increase numbers of burrowing owls. The small owls are protected by both the state of Florida and the city of Marco Island. Many residents volunteer to adopt the owls. They offer protective housing (borrows) for these beautiful birds. The owls are given a wide roped off space, but are yet visible to visitors. Hint: They tend to pose for pics in the morning and late afternoon hours. See our related post Burrowing Owls on Marco Island. https://seamarcondo.com/burrowing-owls-on-marco-island

Osprey on the Island

Around Marco Island, you will likely see large osprey nests built of sticks. They are often on channel markers. Ospreys have a large brown back and a white underside. Visitors to Marco Island see these birds soaring around condo buildings and over the Gulf waters. They are very large with wingspans of between 4-5 feet. Ospreys soar above the shallow water along the beach. Then they hover briefly before diving feet first to grab a fish. The bird then takes off with its fish, carrying it back to its nest. It is not uncommon to see ospreys perched on a building. They are also commonr along the beach on driftwood in the Tigertail area.

Lots of Pelicans on Marco Island

Brown Pelicans

This is my favorite bird to watch on Marco Island! What fun it is to see these impressive divers circling high above the Gulf waters. I love seeing them dive headfirst in search of the perfect feast. Often you will see the brown pelicans fly in group formation. They normally fly in a V-shape along the water. Pelicans are plentiful on Marco. It is common to be in the water and see one swoop close by. The pelican expands its throat pouch (gullet) to trap fish, filling it with over 2 gallons of water. Then it enjoys a tasty meal! A friend of mine took the picture to the left as we left on a Marco Island Princess dinner cruise. This picture is also in Sea Mar Condo for our guests to enjoy! See our full article on The Brown Pelican at https://seamarcondo.com/marco-island-wildlifethe-brown-pelican.

White Pelicans

The White Pelican is the largest bird in North America.

More rare to spot on Marco Island are white pelicans. They arrive in the area in late fall and stay until the early spring. The white pelican has white feathers and a pink-tangerine colored bill. This beautiful bird is the largest bird in North America. Isolated areas like mangrove islands are preferred habitats. These birds are shy and less social. Your chances of seeing a white pelican are better during a boat tour of the 10,000 islands with binoculars. White pelicans work as a team to herd their food prey, fluffing their wings to assemble and gather the fish.

Bald Eagles on Marco Island

Marco Island Nature Preserve is home to the island’s nesting American Bald Eagles during nesting season. The preserve is located at 665 Tigertail Court, Marco Island, FL. This organization works alongside volunteers of Marco Island to guarantee the safety of active Bald Eagle nests. Visitors may visit during nesting season between November and May.

The Marco Island Nature Preserve & Bird Sanctuary also has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MarcoIslandNaturePreserve. The page has lots of great information on these majestic birds and their activity.

Roseate Spoonbill

Birdwatching on Marco Island is more exciting with color! My favorite bird around Marco and the 10,000 island area is the roseate spoonbill. The spoonbill is a beautiful pink wading bird. Although rare to see on Marco, they are sometimes spotted near Tigertail Lagoon. Visitors taking eco tours of the 10,000 islands commonly get to see the roseate spoonbill. Besides Tigertail Lagoon, my sightings include one on a boat tour a few years ago and again on a drive along Turner Loop Road in the Everglades.

The roseate spoonbill has bright pink feathers and red eyes with a giant spoon-shaped bill. These birds are especially beautiful in flight flying with their outstretched necks. A couple of neat facts about the spoonbill: They bald as they mature by losing feathers from the top of their head. And, their pink color comes from the crustaceans they eat. The crustaceans contain pigments called carotenoids that turn their feathers pink.

See our related post on Exploring the Habitat of the Roseate Spoonbill: https://seamarcondo.com/marco-island-wildlife-the-roseate-spoonbill

Least Terns Nesting on Marco Island

The least tern is the smallest of the American terns. They grow to a length of 8 1/2 to 9 inches with a wingspan of 21-23 inches. Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is one of the largest least tern nesting areas in Southwest Florida. This bird has a gray back, black wings, a yellow beak and a white belly. It also has pointed wings and a forked tail. Least terns nest in colonies. They stay on sandy beaches with a path to the water. They are also a threatened species. Visitors to the island can walk along the north tip of Tigertail Beach during nesting season (April-August) and see large colonies of 200 or more least terns nesting. Roped areas protect the nests. Signs give warnings to keep a distance from nesting birds.

Black Skimmers on Marco

Black skimmers are on Marco Island year round. The island has the largest black skimmer colony in the state of Florida. Many black skimmers on Marco are banded to track movements, lifespans, and survival rate. Black skimmers nest in large colonies around April-August on Tigertail Beach. Visitors to Big Marco Pass during nesting season can see colonies of 400 or more black skimmers. Roped areas keep visitors a safe distance from nesting birds. Although normally a calm bird, the black skimmer will dive bomb anything getting close to a nest of newly hatched chicks. During the winter months, visitors to the island will see black skimmers resting on the beach.

The black skimmer has a wingspan of around 45 inches. They have a black back, white belly, orange-red legs, and a black-and-red bill. Orange color on their bill and legs make them easy to spot. Black skimmers fly very low above the water.

Snowy Egrets Along the Beach

It’s not often you walk along Marco Island’s beautiful beaches without one of these guys joining you! They are known for their “strut” and “ruffled feathers”. The snowy egret can become quite comical in their appearance. (Makes for a great photo!) The snowy egret is a water bird. They are around 26″ tall with white feathers and a black bill. It has black legs and bright yellow feet. In spring, the egret has “fancy” lace-like feathers on its head and along its back for its showy displays of courtship. Marco’s snowy egrets are very used to people. They will virtually “walk the beach” with you!

Great Blue Heron

The great blue heron is the tallest of the wading birds. It is slate blue in color with a white head, a black stripe above the eye, and a yellow bill. This bird has a wing span of 65-79 inches. Blue herons are solitary birds that are normally seen standing motionless in shallow water. Tigertail Lagoon is a good place to look for this bird. Taking an eco tour or a drive to the Everglades along Turner Road is also a great way to see a great blue heron.

Anhinga (Piano Bird)

The Anhinga is a most unusual bird. It swims with its webbed feet. They also dive under water, and spear food by rapidly stretching out the neck. Anhinga’s feathers are not waterproof as other types of water birds. Their feathers get soaked when they are submerged in water, thus they cannot stay in the water for long periods of time.

The bird stands with it’s feathers fanned out to dry. Anhingas also pridefully sit in trees with outstretched wings until they are dry enough to fly. The male anhinga is glossy black with white tail feathers. When outstretched, the bottom of the male’s wings have white strips that resemble piano keys. They are sometimes called “piano birds”. The female is pale gray in color or light brown. I took the picture of this bird at the Big Cypress Welcome Center along the boardwalk.

Sea Mar Condo is the Perfect Place to Stay for Bird Watching on Marco Island

Sea Mar Condo is located on the south end of Tigertail Beach and the north end of Marco Island’s South (Crescent Beach). Our 19th floor penthouse condo overlooks South Beach. It has beautiful views of the beach and Gulf waters. We are a short 40 minute drive to Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades City. There are many guided eco tours of the 10,000 islands. All of these areas are perfect for bird watching on Marco Island (and surrounding areas). Visit our website https://seamarcondo.com for more information on Marco Island and Sea Mar Condo. We would love to have you as our guests!

Burrowing Owls on Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Wildlife, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 05/31/201909/11/2025Bird Watching on Marco Island, Birds on Marco Island, Burrowing Owls on Marco Island, Marco Island Birds

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Key Takeaways

Marco Island is famous for its beautiful beaches and unique wildlife, particularly the Burrowing Owls.
Residents promote Burrowing Owl populations with help from the Burrowing Owl Society, ensuring protected nesting.
These small, sandy-colored owls live in burrows that they dig or take from other animals, hunting insects and rodents.
Burrowing Owls display interesting behaviors, such as storing food and attracting insects to their nests with dung.
They have a distinct lifestyle, hunting during the day and night, often living in close colonies and showing monogamous tendencies.

Marco Island is known for its beautiful beaches. However, one thing that makes the island really special is its wildlife. One little creature is especially cute, and it is fairly easy to spot one on the island.

Many residents on Marco Island participate in encouraging the burrowing owl population. The Burrowing Owl Society provides starter packs for homeowners who want to encourage owls to nest on their property. The owls are protected when actively nesting. Nests are inspected regularly.

Owls are unmistakable birds, and that goes double for a long-legged owl that hunts on the ground during the day. Burrowing Owls are small, sandy-colored owls with bright-yellow eyes. They live underground in burrows they’ve dug themselves or taken over from a ground squirrel or tortoise. The owls live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats. They hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply. This decline is due to human alteration of their habitat and the decline of ground squirrels.

Cool Facts About Burrowing Owls

Unlike most owls in which the female is larger than the male, the sexes of the Burrowing Owl are the same size.

Burrowing Owls often stow extra food to ensure an adequate supply during incubation and brooding. When food is plentiful, the birds’ underground larders can reach enormous sizes.

In the absence of suitable homes created by ground squirrels or other burrowing animals, Burrowing Owls have been known to nest in piles of PVC pipe unintentionally provided by humans. Conservationists make use of the owls’ adaptability. They supply artificial burrows made of buckets, pipes, tubing, and other human-made materials.

Burrowing Owls have a higher tolerance for carbon dioxide than other birds. They spend long periods underground, where the gas can accumulate to higher levels than found above ground.

Nests of Burrowing Owls

Before laying eggs, Burrowing Owls carpet the entrances to their homes with animal dung, which attracts dung beetles and other insects that the owls then catch and eat. They may also collect bottle caps, metal foil, cigarette butts, paper scraps, and other bits of trash at the entrance. This can signify that the burrow is occupied.

The nest burrow can be several yards long and is usually less than 3 feet deep. Its size depends on the mammal that originally excavated it. Burrows tend to make numerous twists and turns, with a mound of dirt at the entrance and an opening at least 4–6 inches wide. The owls often line their burrow with livestock manure, sometimes with feathers, grass, or other materials. When owls dig their own burrows, the process may take several days. It takes them less time to prepare the burrow for nesting when they use an existing burrow.

Lifestyle of a Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls hunt at all hours of the day and night. Usually staying close to the ground, they fly, hover, walk, or run, seizing prey in their talons. Between forays for food, they sleep on dirt mounds at their burrow entrances or on depressions in the ground.

Disturbed owls bob jerkily up and down, as do hunting owls pinpointing prey. They are mostly monogamous and breed close together in loose colonies. Females stay in or near the nest burrow until chicks fledge. Males tend to stand guard at a nearby burrow or perch. Males defend their territories against other males.

They do this by vocalizing, displaying in a weaving crouch with feathers fluffed, or chasing and attacking with outstretched talons. Courting adults—mainly males—display by circling overhead. They also fly dozens of feet into the air, hover for a few seconds, and then rapidly descend. Pairs vocalize, rub bills, and preen, with the male calling and presenting food to the female. Young owls play-hunt by jumping on each other, on prey brought by their parents, and on dung around the burrow.
Credit: The Cornell Lab of Omithology – All About Birds

Visit our website https://www.seamarcondo.com for more information on Sea Mar Condo, Marco Island, FL, and the island’s wildlife. We want to make your vacation on Marco Island a trip of a lifetime!

Marco Island World Famous Beaches

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Beaches 10/25/201806/22/2026Bird Watching on Marco Island, Keewaydin Island, Marco Island Birds, Marco Island Fishing, Sand Dollars, Sand Dollars on Tigertail Beach, Sea Mar Condo, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach, Walking Marco Island Beaches

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Key Takeaways

Marco Island’s beaches, like Tigertail and South Beach, offer pristine surroundings and are ideal for relaxation and nature exploration.
Tigertail Beach features a lagoon for kayaking, excellent wildlife viewing, and is one of the best birding locations in Florida.
Sand Dollar Spit is accessible by wading or kayaking and boasts breathtaking views and diverse shell varieties.
South Beach provides three miles of activities such as swimming, fishing, and dolphin watching, along with stunning sunsets.
Keewaydin Island is accessible only by boat and offers serene beach experiences, perfect for those seeking solitude.

Our location at Sea Mar Condo couldn’t be better! We are located on Tigertail Beach, overlooking South (Crescent) Beach. A quick boat trip takes you away to Keewaydin Island. We want to introduce you to Marco Island’s beaches, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. See related post: https://seamarcondo.com/marco-islands-pristine-beaches

The largest Island in Florida’s chain known as Ten Thousand Islands is Marco Island. It features two public beaches, as well as several offshore island beaches. For the beach-goer looking for quiet, pristine beaches and an escape from the party scene of other Gulf of Mexico beaches, Marco offers an ideal destination. Beautiful landscaped walkways and surrounding properties set Marco Island’s beaches apart. Enjoy miles of clean, uncrowded beaches of white sand and famous Marco sunsets. Marco Island’s beaches are world famous – one visit here and you will understand why. See related post: Walking on the Beach in Marco Island: https://seamarcondo.com/walking-the-beach-in-marco-island

Tigertail Beach – Hernando Drive on Marco Island

The Lagoon

The lagoon is a great place to paddle board or kayak while seeing nesting birds along the water’s edges. There is also a very nice children’s playground and sandwich concession stand located in the area.

Observation Tower and Fantastic Wildlife

The Observation Tower, with two levels and permanently fixed binoculars, gives unobstructed views of the lagoon and Sand Dollar Spit. It is disability accessible from the main walkway close to the snack bar, and is open from dawn till dusk.

The lagoon is also a great place to fish (either spinning or fly). It has many secluded areas around mangroves or shallow water towards the Big Marco Pass. It is an important rest area for migrating birds. In addition, it is a major nesting site in spring and summer for several endangered species. Tigertail Beach lists as Site # 73 on the Great Florida Birding Trail. You can expect to see many types of heron, ibis, egret, black skimmers, plovers, sandpipers, willets, pelican, osprey, roseate spoonbills, and even a bald eagle. There are always mullet jumping. You may also see fiddler, horseshoe and ghost crabs as well as sea stars.

Sand Dollar Spit – a Magnificent Unspoiled Gulf Beach

To reach Sand Dollar Spit and the beautiful, pristine, soft sandy beach on the other side of the lagoon, you either have to wade through it, or head south some distance to where the lagoon ends and make a turn to the north. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and make it part of a day trip. It’s a bit of a trek to walk to the spit, but it’s definitely worth it. The beach here (which abounds with seashells) is absolutely breathtaking and totally natural.

Many of Florida’s beach-nesting shorebirds face conservation challenges, but can regularly be spotted on Sand Dollar Spit and Tigertail. These include the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oyster catcher, and Wilson’s plover. Please keep your distance and never intentionally force birds to fly or run.

No two visits are ever the same in this area. You can walk for miles with just the lapping of the waves, the rustle of the sea oats and the cries of birds to keep you company. In our view, it’s the best part of the whole beach and is well worth the walk. Don’t forget to take some water and shelling bags. There are over 200 different shell varieties that can wash up on the shore.

On Tigertail Beach, the choice is Yours:

• Experience 32 acres of one of the world’s most important habitats for wintering and nesting shorebirds. Listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in southwest Florida.
• Explore the tidal lagoon. It separates the Tigertail Beach Park from the state managed Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area popularly known as the Sand Dollar Spit. The lagoon is home to a wide variety of wildlife including horseshoe crabs, needle fish, Florida fighting conchs, and more.
• Enjoy the Gulf of Mexico from the Sand Dollar Spit. If you visit this site, be aware of seasonal postings designed to protect the nesting colonies. Remember to practice good birding etiquette. See related “An Early Morning Walk Down Tigertail Beach: https://seamarcondo.com/early-morning-walk-down-tigertail-beach

South (Crescent) Beach

Marco Island’s beautiful South Beach stretches the whole length of the west side of the island. Of course the beach is public property and open to all. It is perfect for beach walks, shelling, relaxation, sailing, and parasailing.

This beach is 3 miles of soft white-sand beach, wide and usually teaming with activity. South Marco Beach (also called Crescent Beach) also features beachfront property. It is lined with sabal palms and the large, luxury hotels of Marco Island. Swimmers and sunbathers populate the beach on South Marco from 8:00 a.m. until sunset each day. Crescent Beach is also a great place for beach fishing and dolphin watching.

Sunsets along this beach are unbelievable. If you are lucky, you will get to see the “Marco Flash”, a flash of deep blue or green light occurring very seldom but always just after the sun sets into the Gulf.

Resident’s Beach

This beach is private for Marco Island residents only. Actually, the beach is public, but the cafe, bath facilities, and chickee huts are private.

Keewaydin Island

Keewaydin Island beach is only accessible by boat. However, there are day trips offered each day from Marco Island to Keewaydin by Hemmingway Water Shuttle. We highly recommend Hemmingway Water Shuttle – the offer very flexible and fun trips to and from Keewaydin. https://seamarcondo.com/keewaydin-island-is-perfect-for-beachgoers-and-boaters

Beach Hours

Marco Island’s beaches are patrolled and are not available for overnight camping. Unless staying at a Marco Island beachfront resort or condo you are not permitted to enter the beaches after 10:00pm. Marco Island, and the 10,000 islands area in the Florida Everglades, is an important nesting and migrating area for birds. Wildlife and bird viewing, or “birding” is a popular outdoor activity. You should be careful not to disturb island birds and turtles when visiting Marco Island’s Beaches. Several of the island’s birds and turtles are on the endangered species list and fines are imposed for violators. Due to Marco island’s important and fragile ecosystem, dogs or pets of any kind are not allowed on any Marco Island Beaches.

Sea Mar Condos are located in South Seas Resort on the north end of Marco Island. They are 19th floor penthouse condos overlooking beautiful Crescent Beach. We welcome you to be our guests and enjoy everything that Marco Island has to offer. See one guest’s testimonial on Marco Island Beaches: https://seamarcondo.com/testimonial/beaches-in-marco-island

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to see our rates and availability. In addition to “Our Top 10 List” of Things to do on Marco Island, our website also provides lots more information on Sea Mar Condo and Marco Island. Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation! Our TOP 10 LIST: https://seamarcondo.com/top-10-list-sea-mar-condo-marco-island-penthouse-1907

What’s Unusual About Marco Island?

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Beaches, Marco Island Wildlife 05/08/201809/11/2025Cape Romano Dome House, Casual Dining on Marco Island, Green Flash at Sunset, Marco Island Birds, Marco Island Sunset Cruises, Roseate Spoonbill, Sea Turtles, Tigertail Beach, Walking Marco Island Beaches

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Key Takeaways

Marco Island is a beautiful barrier island known for its stunning beaches and wildlife.
Visitors love the unique sunsets, including the rare ‘green flash’ phenomenon.
The island offers exciting outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and dolphin watching.
Cape Romano’s dome houses provide a quirky landmark worth exploring while visiting Marco Island.
Many visitors describe Marco Island as a unique and magical place that keeps them returning.

What’s unusual about Marco Island? What’s unique about this island that residents and visitors call “Paradise Island”? What makes it so special that once you arrive in Paradise you don’t want to leave?

Marco Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida. It is linked to the mainland by two bridges south of the city of Naples. It’s home to resort hotels, beaches, marinas and golf courses, as well as a network of inland waterways.

Marco Island Beaches

The island has two beaches. Each is unique in its own way, connected into a 6 mile strip of white sand. The south end of the beach is appropriately called South Beach, also commonly called Crescent Beach. It is lined with resort hotels. This beach also has water sporting venues for boating, jet skiing, parasailing, and boat tours. In contrast, the north end of the beach is Tigertail Beach with a tidal lagoon. It is especially popular for kayaking and paddle boarding. Tigertail is also very popular for its shorebirds and shelling.

Marco Island Sunsets

Marco Island’s sunsets are famous for their unique colors and brilliance. Many of the island’s restaurants are located with views of the Gulf waters or on inlets. This allows diners to have a delicious meal of fresh seafood while viewing a beautiful sunset. Many of the island’s guest accommodations also have fantastic views of the sunsets. A favorite among both locals and island visitors is being right on the beach to see the best sunset. Around the sunset hour, the beach gets very active with beach goers. Bring a camera to capture that perfect sunset picture!

A Green Flash?

Especially unique about the Marco Island sunset is the “green flash” that you can occasionally see. The Green Flash is a real, if rare, phenomenon that looks just like its name. It is a fleeting burst of vivid green above the upper rim of the sun just as it disappears into the horizon. Some Green Flashes are bigger than others. Some are more noticeable than others. But all of them give you the feeling you’ve witnessed something magical. If you go to the beach for a sunset, you will always hear mention of the “green flash”. It is real, but not often seen!

Marco Island Wildlife

And what about the unique wildlife that inhabits Marco Island? May-September is loggerhead turtle nesting season on the island. Beach combers will see yellow roped off areas where the turtles have laid eggs. If you are really lucky, you may get to see a nest hatch. My husband and I witnessed this several years ago and it is just a “magical” experience.

Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach is also located on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The island is home to many unique birds including the blue heron, white egret, osprey, black skimmer, ibis, eagle, pelican, and roseate spoonbill. What fun it is to watch these birds in action! They either wade by the shoreline or fly high above the waters, diving to catch their food.

Roseate Spoonbills are a Favorite on Marco Island

Many tours around the island offer opportunities for guests to see dolphins, manatee, and sea turtles up close and personal. What a thrill to be boating or jet skiing with a mother dolphin and her calf playing in your wake!

Fishing in Marco Island

Backwater fishing gives you the chance to fish for Florida’s most popular game-fish among the mangroves of the 10,000 islands. Backwater fishing offers calm waters, beautiful scenery and little travel. Most popular catches are Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Tarpon, Pompano, Snapper, Jack Crevalle, and Ladyfish.

Offshore fishing ventures into the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing the wrecks and reefs off of the coast of Marco Island and Naples is a very popular sport. Catches like Tarpon, Red and Black Grouper, King Mackerel, Shark, Snapper, Goliath Grouper, Permit, Cobia, Barracuda and Tripletail make for an awesome adventure.

Restaurants that Prepare The Fish You Catch?

Are you ready to book a deep sea fishing excursion and bring your catch of the day to one of the island restaurants? Many island restaurants offer the service of cooking up your catch of the day!

And what about the unique fish in the Gulf waters around Marco Island? Many island visitors like to book a deep fishing trip to get that “catch” of a lifetime. Many of these catches may look a bit “unusual”!

Cape Romano Dome Houses

And speaking of what’s unusual about Marco Island. How about the dome houses at Cape Romano? These “unique” structures look like something out of the Twilight Zone. However, they were actually once upon a time a very modern home to businessman Bob Lee.

The dome houses, built in 1992, were the primary residence of Janet Maple and Lee’s grandson Mike Morgan up until 1993, a year after Hurricane Andrew. This hurricane didn’t do much damage thanks to the home’s unique elevated and rounded structure. In 2005, the house was purchased by John Tosto, just before Hurricane Wilma. Unfortunately, Wilma sadly caused a fair amount of damage to the domes. It also washed away some of the coastline. For unknown reasons, the Tosto’s never actually removed the houses. This left a pretty interesting site for locals and enthusiast visitors to explore. Cape Romano is only accessible by boat now and the domes are fully reclaimed by the sea. However, visiting Cape Romano remains one of the most popular tours off of Marco Island.

Sea Mar Condo, Marco Island, FL — Sea Mar Condo Balcony

A Unique and Magical Island!

What’s unusual about Marco Island? Whatever you consider “unique”, this island will have something to satisfy your cravings. The island is also described by many of it’s visitors as having a “magical” quality about it. In fact, many return year after year because of the island’s unique qualities. I have to admit, that is what happened to us several years ago when we decided to purchase our rental condo, Sea Mar Condo. We would love to share this magical piece of Paradise with you!

Visit our website at www.seamarcondo to see our rates and availability. Our website also provides lots of information about things to see and do in Marco Island.
Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation! https://seamarcondo.com

Exploring the Habitat of the Roseate Spoonbill

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Wildlife 04/12/201809/11/2025Birds on Marco Island, Marco Island Birds, Roseate Spoonbill, Sea Mar Condo

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Key Takeaways

The Roseate Spoonbill is a striking wading bird, known for its pink plumage and unique spoon-shaped bill.
They nest in colonies, with both parents sharing incubation duties and caring for the young after hatching.
Roseate Spoonbills feed in shallow waters, eating minnows, small crustaceans, and insects, usually in the early morning or evening.
This bird typically breeds at three years old and uses elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate.
In the wild, Roseate Spoonbills can live up to 10 years, while in human care they may live up to 15 years.

When I am in the Marco Island, 10,000 Islands/Everglades area, I am always on the lookout for the roseate spoonbill. It is such an intriguing, beautiful bird. It is definite among my favorite as is the pelican and the eagle. Seeing the beautiful birds around Marco Island is just a bonus to my beach trip!

Roseate spoonbills nest in mixed colonies in mangroves or trees on the coast. The female builds the nest while the male retrieves the nesting materials. The female lays up to three whitish-colored eggs. Both adults incubate the eggs for up to 24 days. The young remain in the nest for approximately 35-42 days. They are fed by both adults. Critical Wildlife Areas protect some of Florida’s most vulnerable wildlife, including the state-threatened roseate spoonbill, from human disturbance during important life stages such as breeding and nesting.

Bizarre But Beautiful

Gorgeous at a distance and bizarre up close is the Roseate Spoonbill. Locally common in coastal Florida, Texas, and southwest Louisiana, they are usually in small flocks, often associating with other waders. Spoonbills feed in shallow waters, walking forward slowly while they swing their heads from side to side, sifting the muck with their wide flat bills.

The roseate spoonbill is a large wading bird known for its pink plumage and distinctive spoon-shaped bill. Its upper neck and back are colored white, while the wings and feathers underneath display the more recognizable light shade of pink. The wings and tail coverts are deep red, along with the legs and the iris of the eyes. Part of the spoonbill’s head is a distinct yellow-green. When they are young, the birds are duller in appearance, brightening as they mature.

Reaching a height of up to 2.5 feet, the roseate spoonbill’s wingspan can stretch 1.5 times as wide, reaching up to 4 feet.

Roseate Spoonbill; Photo Credit: Gary Roach

Yes, Spoonbills are on Marco Island

In the United States, the roseate spoonbill can be found in southern Florida (yes, in Marco Island), coastal Texas and southwestern Louisiana. Their breeding range extends south from Florida through the Greater Antilles to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Roseate spoonbills usually live in marsh-like areas and mangroves.

While feeding, spoonbills utter a low, guttural sound. They are also known to call during breeding displays and when flying.

Using its spoon-like bill to scoop prey up from shallow water, the roseate spoonbill’s diet typically includes minnows, small crustaceans, insects and bits of plants. They feed in the early morning and evening hours in both fresh and saltwater wetlands. It is believed the roseate spoonbill receives its bright coloring from the pigments of the crustaceans that it eats.

A social bird, the roseate spoonbill often feeds, roosts and flies in formation with its species. They nest singly or in pairs, usually in trees over water and sometimes on small islands.

Nesting Habits

Typically roseate spoonbills do not breed until their third year. To attract one another, courtship displays include ritualized exchanges of nest material, dancing and clapping. Female spoonbills create deep, well-constructed nests out of sticks using materials brought to them by males. The Florida population usually nests in red and black mangroves sometimes with wood storks, while the Texas and Louisiana populations often nest on the ground in offshore island mixed colonies with gulls, terns and herons.

A female lays a clutch of one to five eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 22 to 24 days. A newly hatched chick has mostly pink skin with a sparse covering of white down. The parents feed the chick by dribbling regurgitated material into the baby’s upturned bill. After one month, the chick will begin to exercise by clambering through the branches or foliage surrounding the nest, and by six weeks, it will have developed wing feathers large enough for flight.

The roseate spoonbill sleeps standing, usually on one leg, with its head tucked beneath its back and shoulder feathers.

They can live up to 15 years in human care and an estimated 10 years in the wild.

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The Fascinating Behavior of the Brown Pelican

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Wildlife 04/05/201809/11/2025Bird Watching on Marco Island, Birds on Marco Island, Marco Island Birds, Pelicans

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Key Takeaways

The Brown Pelican features an oversized bill and is known for its impressive diving skills.
Brown Pelicans primarily feed by diving into the water and can hold up to 2.6 gallons of water in their throat pouch.
These sociable birds breed in colonies and maintain monogamous relationships during the breeding season.
Once endangered due to pesticide use, Brown Pelican populations have recovered since bans on harmful chemicals like DDT.
Human activities still pose threats to pelicans, including habitat disturbance and fishing gear entanglement.

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican is a has an oversized bill and can be quite elegant and comical to watch. They glide above the Gulf waters rising and falling with the waves.

Brown pelicans are impressive divers. They can circle up to 60 feet above the surface. Then, they plunge headfirst underwater in search of food.

Feeding Habits of Brown Pelicans

This magnificent bird’s trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (tube connecting throat and stomach) are located on the right side of its neck. A foraging pelican spots a fish from the air. It dives, tucking and twisting to the left to protect its trachea and esophagus from the impact. As it plunges into the water, its throat pouch expands to trap the fish. Its pouch can fill with up to 2.6 gallons of water. Pelicans usually feed above estuaries and shallow ocean waters within 12 miles of shore. These birds occasionally feed by sitting on the surface and seizing prey with their bills. This is usually when a dense school of fish is close to the surface. The water is shallow and muddy. They also steal food from other seabirds, scavenge dead animals, and eat invertebrates such as prawns.

With an awkward gait on land the pelican seems “clumsy”. However, Brown Pelicans are masterful fliers and strong swimmers. They fly to and from their fishing grounds in V-formations or lines just above the water’s surface. Pelicans usually forage during the day. They may feed at night during a full moon.

Pelicans are Highly Sociable

Highly social all year, pelicans breed in colonies of up to several thousand pairs. The male defends a nest site for up to 3 weeks until he attracts a mate. The pair is monogamous throughout the breeding season. The parents incubate their eggs with their feet. If disturbed suddenly they fly hastily, sometimes crushing their eggs. Pelicans regurgitate predigested fish onto the nest floor for their nestlings. They later switch to whole fish once the young are big enough to eat on their own. The young can fly and fend for themselves after 3 months. A young pelican takes 3–5 years of age to reach sexual maturity.

Brown Pelicans No Longer Endangered

Wildlife conservation has been very important to the Brown Pelican. They nearly disappeared from North America between the late 1950s and early 1970s, mainly due to pesticides. The pesticide endrin killed pelicans outright, while DDT contamination led to thin-shelled eggs that broke under the weight of the parents. In 1970, Brown Pelicans were federally listed as endangered. This, and the extinction of other bird species, led to a ban on DDT in 1972 and a reduction in endrin use. This allowed pelican numbers to rise. By 1985, numbers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts had risen enough to no long be listed an endangered.

Threats From Humans

There have been strong increases in the pelican population since the 1960s, but they still face human-caused threats. Disturbance from human activity in their coastal nesting habitats cause problems. Panicked pelicans can abandon or accidentally destroy their nests. The brown pelican is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Another threat is abandoned fishing line, threatening this species along with other marine animals. It has been estimated that more than 700 pelicans die each year in Florida alone from entanglement in sport-fishing gear.

Cool Facts
*While the Brown Pelican is draining the water from its bill after a dive, sea gulls often try to steal the fish right out of its pouch.

*Pelicans incubate their eggs with the skin of their feet, standing on the eggs to keep them warm. In the mid-twentieth century the pesticide DDT caused pelicans to lay thinner eggs that cracked under the weight of incubating parents. They almost disappeared from North America during this time. In the 1960s and 1970s, pesticide regulations made it possible for pelicans to once again populate our shores.

*During a dive, the Brown Pelican tucks its head and rotates its body to the left. This maneuver is probably to cushion the trachea and esophagus—found on the right side of the neck—from the impact.

*The oldest Brown Pelican on record was 43 years old.

*Brown Pelicans live year-round in estuaries and coastal marine habitats along both the east and west coasts. On the Atlantic and Gulf coasts they breed mostly on barrier islands, natural islands in estuaries, and islands made of refuse from dredging. In Florida and southern Louisiana they primarily use mangrove islets.

*Brown Pelicans mostly eat small fish that form schools near the surface of the water—including menhaden, mullet, anchovies, herring, and sailfin mollies.

Visit our website https://seamarcondo.com for more information on Sea Mar Condo, Marco Island, FL. We want to make your vacation on Marco Island a trip of a lifetime!