Estero Beach Lagoon (Ft. Myers Beach)
To reach Estero/Ft. Myers beach, go north on Hwy 41 to Bonita Beach Road (about 15 miles north of Naples) and turn left. Or get off at exit 18 on I-75 and head west.
Estero Beach Lagoon is located behind the Holiday Inn. (Park across the street in the winter if the parking lot seems full). You would never guess that one of the top birding spots in Florida is 100 yards away as you drive down this congested road. There is an extremely wide beach to the north and a lagoon to the south. The beach may have 200+ Skimmers in the winter. Also look for Sandwich and Royal Terns.
The lagoon is great for migrating shorebirds. Bring a scope to scan the mudflats at the south end of the lagoon. This is an excellent spot for photographers. There are migrating shorebirds here in abundance at the right time of the year.
