Can someone recommend some easily-accessible locations in the Sarasota area for seeing lots of birds at this time of year? I'm not a real serious birder, but would like to go somewhere where birds are easily spotted, even if they're shorebirds or large flocks of robins.

Large flocks of birds? The best spots for that are mucky areas along bays and in the estuaries where the river meets the Gulf. This is perfect for foraging birds Not sure where that would be in Sarasota. There is a spot like this in Tampa called McKay Bay, but surely you can find something similar in Sarasota. If I only knew I could tell you.

Myakka State Park should fit your needs. The entrance is on Clark Road (State Rte. 72) about 10 miles east of the I-75 interchange. There is a canopy walk in the park. Along with birds, we'll also see alot of alligators.

For the absolute best bird-watching in the area, you should visit the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. It's worth a visit for all the wildlife.

Enjoy!

Gekko, that is a grand idea. The canoe trip at Ding Darling is a good one. Very easy. Not a lot of serious paddling and you start out in the mangroves. I recall seeing lots of birds when I went.

If you can get out in a boat and slooooowly cruise the outskirts of the mangroves, it is amazing the number of birds you'll see. During the spring the rookeries are just loaded with birds.

You can cheat and go to the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary where they rehabilitat birds and keep the ones that won't be able to fend for themselves. It is on City Island just off of Sarasota. Its fun to make a day of it on City Island and go to Mote Marine Aquarium (where they also do nice boat rides where you will see dolphins and lovely waterfront homes) and finish off with a grouper sandwich and a beer at Old Salty Dog across the street.

Thanks for the good suggestions. I'll only be in Sarasota a few days next week, but hope to follow through on at least one or two of your ideas. It will be hard to choose.