Sarasota Florida Bird Watching - Eye Candy for the Soul

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."  ~Henry David Thoreau

We all know about food for the soul to help us relax and feel better. Things like reading a book, worshiping on Sunday or listening to songs from the past. Yet, little do people realize the healthy impact of 'eye candy for the soul' at retirement. For decades, the folks from the retirement communities in the city of Sarasota know exactly where to find the fountain of youth. One of the best kept secrets on the Gulf Coast of Florida is the reason why the residents are so happy and full of life after they retire to the southwest coast of Florida, home to one of the best Florida beach towns.

While some may think private golf clubs and Sarasota FL homes for sale are the main attractions, bird watching and spending time in Florida state parks has become a popular thing to do for retirees in the area. Baby Boomers living here can enjoy a guided tour throughout the many locations or simply explore with a pair of binoculars or camera on their own. The City of Sarasota offers many designated areas for the best wildlife viewing, but also permit other outdoor activities like: camping, fitness trails, fishing, swimming, kayak and canoe launches, bike trails and more. 

Some of these locations are on small islands or near man-made lakes in or around the local retirement communities. Retirees can enjoy a postcard-style view on the white sands of Siesta Key (named America's Best Beach repeatedly) or get the best angle when photograph from on one of the designated public overlooks. Take a stroll along the boardwalk at South Lido Beach Park and cherish the experience of discovering the butterfly garden at Red Bug Stough Preserve and Lemon Bay Preserve. For those who visit this area to practice their swing at the private golf clubs or to view Sarasota FL homes for sale, stop by the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to experience a dose of natural artistic elegance. Here's a couple of the top bird watching spots in one of the best Florida beach towns:

Myakka Prairie is open from sunrise to sunset, and that is just enough time to see great blue herons and  little blue herons in action. Bald eagles, white ibis and turkey vultures have been known to make appearances at this 8,249-acre area within the Myakka River watershed. Pine hammocks and depression marshes are the main highlights of this habitat, and visitors can enjoy the bike and equestrian trail at their leisure. 

Caspersen Beach Park is a Sarasota County-certified beach, and is a perfect place for residents of the retirement communities to bird watch in their spare time. The mangrove swamp and dunes are prime locations for pine warblers, red-winged blackbirds and more. When outdoor enthusiasts are not on the private golf clubs, they are finding prehistoric sharks’ teeth or fishing with others who look for adventure.

Historic Spanish Point may not be as big as other areas, but this 30-acre oasis is chock-full of history since the pioneers first established their homes in 1867. The butterfly garden and chapel are always visited by flying friends. Osprey and scrub-jays can be seen from the sky, while burrowing owls occasionally perch to say hello. For retirees viewing Sarasota FL homes for sale, remember to check out this place for a little outdoor entertainment when the house hunting is over. 

The list goes on when it comes to areas to view birds in their natural environment. Jelks Preserve is the home of red-shouldered hawks, blue-gray gnatcatchers and yellow-rumped warblers. Snowy egrets, white herons, green herons and roseate spoonbills hang out at T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve on a regular basis. Enjoy the view of cormorants, woodstorks and more at Celery Fields. The city of Sarasota is the place to be for retirees who appreciate wildlife, and there are plenty of master planned communities close to every single one of these Florida state parks and wildlife habitats.

For example, Longboat Key Club is a beach and golf lovers paradise for anyone who loves the sport. Two championship courses with a total of 45 holes makes this ideal for the avid player. Add in the renovated fitness center, two clubhouses, Island House Spa and any retiree will be loving the next chapter of upscale life.

Just 20 miles from the heart of downtown, Sarasota National is a 2,200-acre gated community known for its 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gordon Lewis. Serious golfers will have a competitive edge on the grass when they spend time at this community’s Pro Shop and driving range. The 30,000 sq. ft. clubhouse is where to mingle when a day of golfing and tennis at one of the eight courts is complete. 

For those that desire more than just golf, University Park Country Club offers a variety of activities including: bocce ball, croquet, and even horseshoe tournaments. The 3,600 sq. ft. fitness center and 11 Har-Tru tennis courts are an athlete’s dream, while the 27-hole championship golf course designed by Ron Gari will keep a golf occupied for hours! This community is conveniently located close to the Sarasota natural preserves, and bird watchers will love to come home to this place after their adventures.

Lakewood Ranch is the epitome of golfing indulgence. Four championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Rick Robbins. Fine and casual dining are offered at the 44,000 sq. ft Lakewood Ranch Country Clubhouse. The Lake Club Grand Clubhouse is 16,000 sq. feet, but is just as luxurious as first. This community is perfect for any social butterfly with 150 miles of walking trails, a Main Street Shopping Complex, Sarasota Polo Club, three community parks and more.If you're exploring Sarasota for the first time, ask to receive our free Sarasota relocation information to help you get to to know the area. It's our pleasure to help!