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Photographer and Friend of Rookery Bay Jean Hall.

Enjoy Birds and Coastal Wildlife at Rookery Bay Research Reserve

ookery Bay Research Reserve’s Tips to Protect Birds and Wildlife at Rookery Bay
110,000 acres are a wonderful place 1- Please avoid areas posted for nesting birds.
R for visitors and locals to relax 2- Observe birds and wildlife from a safe distance with
and enjoy Southwest Florida’s coastal beauty binoculars. If a large flock of birds fly off all at once, you are
and amazing wildlife. One of the most probably too close.
enjoyable activities at the Reserve is birding 3- Stash Your Trash – Plastic, glass and fishing line should be
and looking at marine wildlife. People come retrieved. It can last a lifetime in the natural environment.
from all over the world to see the multitude of different types of 4- Careful Casting When Fishing Near Wildlife- Birds, fish
birds that flourish in our subtropical climate and varied habitats, and other marine life can easily become entangled in
everything from terns and black skimmers on the beaches to fishing line
wading birds like egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills. 5- Keep dogs on a leash at all times
Birders and people interested in observing wildlife are 6- Carry In/Carry Out Plastics – Single use plastics such as
encouraged to get out into the Reserve by boat, on foot or even bags and straws resemble food to many marine animals and
up close by quiet kayak. Acres of mangrove forests, white sandy birds. They can easily be ingested
islands and warm shallow waters create a perfect environment to 7- If you see an animal in trouble:
witness birds in flight or perched in rookeries dotting island trees Please contact Florida Fish and Wildlife at
as well as see dolphins, manatees and other marine life in their MyFWC.com for help.
natural habitat. Rookery Bay is here for everyone to experience and explore!
To protect endangered beach nesting birds during the spring Spend some time at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning
and summer months (including black skimmers, least terns and Center or take a guided-kayak trip or scenic boat ride.
Wilson’s plovers), Rookery Bay Research Reserve and partners Learn more at RookeryBay.org.
close certain sections of beaches and islands to the public. Visitors Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
may notice roped off “No Trespassing” areas or “Closed for Boat 300 Tower Road, Naples, FL 34113
Landing” signs on islands. This is to protect mating pairs, their RookeryBay.org
tiny eggs and cotton ball-sized chicks from any disturbance; and Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
plays a vital role in the survival and long-term conservation of Guided Kayak and Boat Tours
these endangered birds. call (239) 530-5972 or visit www.rookerybay.org

86 Life in Naples | April 2022