Florida Bird Photography Locations

Little Estero Lagoon

City: Fort Myers Beach

GPS: N26 24.925 W81 54.184

Little Estero Lagoon is a small area that starts behind the Holiday Inn on Ft. Myers Beach. A wide variety of shorebirds and waders can normally be found here along with a few raptors. Some of the more popular species are Oystercatchers, Rosette Spoonbills, Reddish Egret and the occasional Bald Eagle.

One should expect to get dirty here, this is a lagoon and some of the best shots can be had by wading in. Both morning and afternoon can be good here. If you are facing the lagoon at the Holiday Inn end you will see mangrove trees along the back. Just on the behind these mangrove trees is another small pond, when there is water and fish in it this can be a very productive spot. I have had Reddish Egrets nearly walk across my lap while forging for fish. If you put the GPS coordinates into Google maps and look at the satellite map you should be able better visualize what I am describing. One should always venture around to the ocean side of the lagoon as there can be activity there too.

Extra driving time should be allowed for this location as traffic in Ft. Myers and Ft. Myers Beach can be heavy. Parking is also a little tougher. The Holiday Inn will tow cars of non-guests unless you have paid them to park there. Just across the street there is a small shopping center. I have never had a problem parking on the street side of their lot in the early morning and walking across. During the 2005 season I did hear of someone having a problem there but do not know the details.

There are many “special events” held along the beach in this area. I would try to time my visit to miss these events.

Directions: From Ft. Myers get on Summerlin heading towards Sanibel or the Beaches. Make a left San Carlos Blvd and go across the bridge and into Ft. Myers Beach. This will become Estero Blvd and you will be heading south. Continue approximately 4-5 miles and you will see the Holiday Inn on the right.