Florida Bird Photography Locations

Lido Beach

City: Sarasota

GPS: N27 18.994 W82 34.876

The north area of Lido Beach can have various shorebirds and opportunities for great sunsets. From late April to August it is possible that Least Terns and Black Skimmers will nest on areas here. The terns will nest first. In years past this location has been very good for these guys but with the 2004 & 2005 storms things changed on the beach and very few nested here in 2006. The nesting areas are roped and posted by FWC. You are not permitted to enter a roped area. You should be very aware of how your presence affects the birds, be sure to sit when near the colony. If one or more of the birds leaves it’s eggs and does not return within a few minutes or so you are too close and should move back. It takes very little time for the hot sun to roast an egg when a parent is not covering it. It is highly recommended you limit your photography of the nesting to very early morning or late evening when the sun is not so hot. When the sun is hotter there are normally many opportunities for flight shots away from the nesting colony.

You should be very aware where you are walking during nesting season; the birds don’t always nest inside the boundaries and once the chicks hatch the little guys run everywhere. It is not easy to see either the eggs or the babies in the sand. Always be looking down and walk slowly.

Directions: Exit I-75 on Fruitville Road in Sarasota. Head west on Fruitville until it ends at RT 41. Take a left on RT 41 and then prepare to make a right onto John Ringling Blvd. This is the bridge / causeway that will take you over Sarasota Bay to St. Armonds Circle. Once coming over the bridge continue till you enter the traffic circle, keep in your left lane and follow the signs Lido beach. It will be the second turn off. Missing it will take you around the circle again. Watch your speed once coming off the bridge, the area including the circle is heavily enforced. The road going to Lido will continue to be John Ringling Blvd. Once out of the circle continue straight until you see a pull off into a parking area to the right. Park here when possible, and walk out onto the beach heading north.